2021

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage

CONTENTS
In FY2017, which marked the 10th
anniversary of its establishment,
the NICH adopted a new logo.
Logo concept: Linkage
The logo design combines knotted
cords with a shape resembling the
DNA double helix.
The knotted cords represent
linkage between people andcultures (i.e. cultural heritage),while the DNA represents linkage
between past, present and future(i.e. cultural transmission).
The logo represents the core
mission of the NICH, which is tofoster an in-depth understandingof cultural DNA and transmit
awareness of the importance of
cultural heritage to people all over
the world.

Cover Photos
TOKYO NATIONAL MUSEUM
Honkan(Japanese Gallery)

KYOTO NATIONAL MUSEUM
Meiji Kotokan

Message …………………………………………………………………………1

Ⅰ

Organization ………………………………………………………………2

Ⅱ

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage ………3

Ⅲ

Projects of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage ……7Ⅳ

Activities of Each Institution

Ⅴ

Reference Materials ………………………………………………… 26

Ⅵ

Information about Donations and Membership ……………… 28

１

Preservation and Transmission of Tangible Cultural Properties, andUtilization of Cultural Properties to Disseminate Japanʼs History andTraditional Culture Nationally and Internationally ………………………………… 7（１）Collection and Preservation of Tangible Cultural Properties, andTransmission of Tangible Cultural Properties to Future
Generations
Acquisition
Conservation and Restoration（２）
Exhibitions
Exhibitions
Number of Visitors（３）
Education（４）
Research on the Collection, Preservation, and Exhibition of Tangible Cultural Properties (namely ﬁne and applied arts), and Educational Activities（５）
Contribution to Museum-related Activities in Japan and Abroad（６）
New Initiatives Concerning the Transmission of Cultural Heritage
Through the Promotion of Cultural Properties
２ Implementing Research and Collaborative Projects for the Protection ofCultural Properties and Overseas Cultural Heritage …………………………… 9（１）
Research Leading to New ldeas（２）
Basic Research for the Improvement of Research andDevelopment Utilizing Science and Technology（３）International Collaboration for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage（４）Collecting and Collating Information Relating to Cultural
Properties, and Publicizing and Utilizing the Results of Surveys andResearch（５）
Provision of Training for, and Collaboration with, Local
Government Authorities in Relation to Cultural Properties（６）
Cultural Heritage Disaster Risk Management Initiatives
３ New Projects ……………………………………………………………………………… 11（１）
Japan Cultural Expo

NARA NATIONAL MUSEUM
Original Museum Building

KYUSHU NATIONAL MUSEUMTOKYO NATIONAL RESEARCHINSTITUTE FOR CULTURALPROPERTIESNARA NATIONAL RESEARCHINSTITUTE FOR CULTURALPROPERTIES

Main Building

INTERNATIONAL RESEARCHCENTRE FOR INTANGIBLE
CULTURAL HERITAGE IN THE
ASIA-PACIFIC REGION (IRCI)

Directors
Organizational Chart
Number of Staﬀ

Tokyo National Museum ……………………………………………………………… 12
Kyoto National Museum ……………………………………………………………… 14
Nara National Museum ………………………………………………………………… 16
Kyushu National Museum …………………………………………………………… 18
Tokyo National Research Institute forCultural Properties ……………………………………………………………………… 20
Nara National Research Institute forCultural Properties ……………………………………………………………………… 22
International Research Centre for Intangible
Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Paciﬁc Region（IRCI）…………………………… 24
External Evaluation Board
Number of Staﬀ
BudgetIncome from External Sources

Financial Donations and Cultural Property Donations
Membership
Venue Rental
Diversifying Visitor Experiences

Message
SHIMATANI Hiroyuki
President
Independent Administrative Institution
National Institutes for Cultural Heritage(Executive Director, Kyushu National Museum)

My name is Hiroyuki Shimatani and I have been appointed to succeed Matsumura Keiji
as President of the Independent Administrative Institution National Institutes for Cultural
Heritage (NICH). The role of president bears a heavy responsibility. I will do my upmost tolive up to this role and fulfil the mission of leading the NICH.
The NICH comprises seven institutions, each with their own unique characteristics.
These include four museums (Tokyo National Museum, Kyoto National Museum, Nara
National Museum and Kyushu National Museum), two research institutes (Tokyo
National Research Institute for Cultural Properties and Nara National Research Institutefor Cultural Properties), and the International Research Centre for Intangible Cultural
Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region.
This fiscal year marks the start of our fifth medium-term development plan. Our
national museums will continue to utilize their accumulated experience and knowledge tocollect and conserve cultural artifacts in a systemically and historically balanced manner
while utilizing the results of research to develop captivating exhibitions and educational
programs. Our two research institutes and the International Research Centre for
Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region will continue to conduct basic andsystemic research aimed at uncovering new knowledge about our cultural heritage. In
October last year, we also established the Cultural Heritage Disaster Risk Management
Center and we will continue to pursue various initiatives across Japan aimed at
protecting our cultural heritage.
During the term of this development plan, we will strive to conserve our fragile
cultural properties in an appropriate manner while utilizing the latest technology andadopting a diverse range of methods to provide an environment where people canencounter and enjoy learning about Japan’s history, traditions and culture. We will also
use the opportunity provided by the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics to contribute tocultural tourism in Japan by actively utilizing our cultural resources and conveying theappeal of this cultural heritage is a manner easy to comprehend for both Japanese andnon-Japanese people alike. The rampant spread of COVID-19 across the world has led tochanges in our value systems. Our museums in particular will need to find ways to adapt
to these‘new lifestyles.’Our institutions face difficult circumstances and numerous challenges. With finances
tight, we need to increase our own sources of income while tackling the issue of ageing
facilities/equipment and striving to retain and develop staff, for example. We are tasked
with preserving our cultural heritage while presenting opportunities for many people
to appreciate and learn about this heritage. It is our responsibility to convey the deep
connection between these activities and the vitality of modern Japanese culture.
From here on, we will continue pushing forward step by step while retaining athoroughgoing awareness of the roles we need to fulfil. We look forward to receiving yourcontinued support in these endeavors.

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2021

1

Ⅰ Organization
Directors（As of April 1, 2021）
KURUSHIMA Noriko: Auditor
NAKAMOTO Fuminori: Auditor

SHIMATANI Hiroyuki: President (Executive Director, Kyushu
National Museum)
NAGAYAMA Yuji: Director
HAYASHIDA Suma: Director

Organizational Chart
National Institutes for Cultural
Heritage Secretariat

President

AuditorDeputy Director-general

Audit Oﬃce

Research Coordinator
Deputy Director-general

Directors

Secretary - General

Vice Director

General Aﬀairs
Financial Aﬀairs
Accounting
Facilities and Operations Division
National Center for the Promotionof Cultural Properties
Cultural Heritage Disaster Risk
Management Center

Kyoto National
MuseumTokyo National
MuseumExecutive
Director

Executive
Director

Executive
Vice Director

Executive
Vice Director

Administration
Department
GeneralAffairs Division
Accounting
Division
Facilities andOperations
Division
Curatorial
Planning
Department
Planning
Division
Education
Division
Informatics
Division
Public Relations
and Press
Editors Office forthe 150-Year Historyof Tokyo National Museum
Special Research
Chair
Curatorial Research
Department
Collections
Management
Division
Research
Division
Conservation
Division
SpecialResearch Chair

Administrative
Division
Curatorial
Division

Nara National
MuseumExecutive
Director

Kyushu National
MuseumExecutive
Director

Executive
Vice Director

Executive
Vice Director
GeneralAﬀairs Division

GeneralAﬀairs Division

Curatorial
Board

Curatorial
Division

SpecialResearch
Chair

Tokyo National
Research Institute forCultural Properties

Nara National ResearchInstitute forCultural Properties

International ResearchCentre for Intangible
Cultural Heritage in
the Asia-Pacific Region

Director
General

Director
General

Director
GeneralDeputy Director
GeneralDepartment ofResearch
Support andPromotion

Department ofResearch,
Support andPromotion

Management
SectionAdministration
Division

Department of
Art Research,Archives andInformation
Systems

Collaboration
Promotion
Division

Planning Division
MuseumScience
Division
Cultural
Properties
Division

Asian Cultural
Exchange Center※※ Kyushu National
Museum is
managed incooperation with
Fukuoka Prefecture

Deputy Director
GeneralDeputy Director
GeneralResearch
SupportDivision

Department ofIntangible
Cultural
Heritage

Department ofPlanning and
Coordination

Center forConservation
Science

Department ofCultural Heritage

Japan Center forInternational
Cooperation inConservation

Department ofImperial Palace
Site Investigations
Center for
Archaeological
Operations
Asuka
HistoricalMuseumNumber of Staff
Division
Total

Total staff

Administrative
staff

Technical andsecurity staff

Specialists

Curators/
Researchers

401

150

20

17

National Institutes for Cultural Heritage Secretariat

24

24

0

0

0

National Center for the Promotion of Cultural Properties

26

7

0

5

14

Cultural Heritage Disaster Risk Management CenterTokyo National Museum

214

9

1

0

0

8

109

37

12

9

51

Kyoto National Museum

43

20

5

1

17

Nara National Museum

34

15

3

1

15

Kyushu National Museum

27

10

0

0

17

Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties

42

8

0

0

34

Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties

83

25

0

1

57

4

3

0

0

1

International Research Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage
in the Asia-Pacific Region（As of April 1, 2021）

2

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2021

Ⅱ Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage
The Independent Administrative Institution (IAI), National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, was formed in April 2007 through themerging of the IAI National Museums (Tokyo National Museum, Kyoto National Museum, Nara National Museum, and Kyushu
National Museum) and the IAI National Research Institutes for Cultural Properties (Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural
Properties and Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties), all of which share the same mission: the conservation
and utilization of cultural properties. With the addition of the International Research Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage in the
Asia-Pacific Region, which was established in October 2011, the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage now comprise a totalof seven separate institutions.
Japan’s cultural properties are the precious assets of the Japanese people. In order to preserve and utilize these properties
more effectively and efficiently under unified management, each of the seven existing institutions plays the following roles:

Tokyo National Museum

Kyoto National Museum

Nara National Museum

As Japan’s foremost museum in thehumanities field, Tokyo National Museum collects, preserves, manages,
and displays cultural properties fromacross Japan and other Asian regions,while also conducting research and providing educational programs.

The Kyoto National Museum collects,preserves, manages, and exhibits
cultural properties, while also
conducting research and providing
educational programs. The focus ison works from the Heian period to
the Edo period. a time when Kyoto
was the capital of Japan.

Nara National Museum collects, preserves, manages, and displays culturalproperties, while also conducting research and providing educational programming. The focus is Buddhist art
and the cultural properties of Nara.

Kyushu National Museum

Tokyo National Research Institutefor Cultural Properties

Nara National Institute forCultural Properties

Tokyo National Research Institutefor Cultural Proper ties conducts
research on Japanese cultural properties, utilizing a variety of methods.
In addition to publicizing and utilizing
the results of this research, as a national center for international cooperation, the institute also facilitates
global research into the protectionof cultural heritage.

In order to preserve and utilize culturalpr oper ties, the Insititut e conduc t s
coordinated and comprehensive surveys
across a variety of fields (including
archeology, history, architecture, gardens,
and conservation) at various sites, including
the Nara Palace and Asuka/Fujiwara sites,
the great temples of Nara, and otherancient shrines and temples. At the sametime, the Institute cooperates and adviseson the conservation and utilization of both
domestic and overseas cultural properties.

Kyushu National Museum collects,preserves, manages, and displays cultural properties, while also conducting
research and providing educational programs. The focus is on cultural assets
related to Japan’s cultural exchanges
with other Asian regions.

International Research Centre for Intangible
Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region
This institution promotes researchthat contributes to safeguarding intangible cultural heritage (ICH) in the AsiaPacific region, and also collects anddisseminates information relating tointernational trends in the safeguarding of ICH.

←To Ikebukuro
StationtempleTokyo National ResearchInstitute for Cultural Properties

Ueno juniorHigh School

Taito-ku, Tokyo, 110-8712
Phone: +81-3-3822-1111

TOKYO NATIONAL
MUSEUM

KurodaMemorial HallThe University
Art Museum-Tokyo
University of the Arts

Main Gate

Tokyo Metropolitan
Art Museum

Ueno parkhttps://www.tnm.jp/
Ueno Zoo

Visitor Information

Hours：9:30–17:00※Openuntil21:00onFridays,Saturdays※Lastentryis30minutesbeforeclosing
Closed：Mondays(ifMondayisanationalholiday,theMuseumwillbeopenonMondayandclosedonTuesday).TheMuseumwillalsobeclosedonDecember
14,during the year-endandNew yearholiday(December26-January1),
andonJanuary4.However,theMuseumwillbeopenonAugust10,January3andMarch28※Pleasenotethatopeningdaysandhoursaresubjecttochange

Shinobugaoka
Junior High School

West
Gate

International Library ofchildren’s Literature

13-9 Ueno Park,

JR Uguisudani
Station卍 Kaneiji

National Museumof Nature andScienceNational Museumof Western Art
Park Exit
Tokyo Metropolitan
Festival Hall

JR UenoStation↑ To Tokyo Station

TOKYO NATIONAL MUSEUM

Access●Train1
 0minutewalkfromtheParkExitofJRUenoStationorfromtheSouthExitofJRUguisudaniStation.15minutewalkfrom
UenoStationorNezuStation(TokyoMetro),or fromKeisei
UenoStation(KeiseiElectricRailwayKeiseiLine).

Admission:Adults:1,000yen
Universitystudents:500yen※Anadditionalchargeisrequiredforspecialexhibitions※Anypersonwithdisabilitiesandoneaccompanyingcaregiverare
admittedfree※Personsover70orunder18areadmittedfreetoregularexhibitions※AdmissiontoregularexhibitionsisfreeonInternationalMuseumDay(May18orthefollowingdayifMay18fallsonaMonday),
RespectfortheAgedDay(thethirdMondayofSeptember),and
CultureDay(November3).

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2021

3

Phone: +81-75-541-1151(Main switchboard)
https://www.kyohaku.go.jp/

Kintetsu
Kyoto Line

JR Kyoto
StationKennin-ji
TempleHigasStre hioji
etKaw
Stre abataetYamaStre tooji
etKaw
Stre aramac
hi
et

River
Shichijo
StreetKeih
Railwanay

605-0931 Japan

Higashi Hongan-ji
TempleKamo

527 Chaya-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto

HokokuShrineKyoto National
Museumijo
Shichon
Stati

Gojo Street

Karasuma
StreetSubway Karasuma Line

Horikawa
Street

KYOTO NATIONAL MUSEUM

AccessChishaku-in
TempleSanjusangendo
TempleJR Tokaido Line
Shinkansen Line

JR Nara Line

Transportation:
●Bus

Visitor InformationA t Kyoto Station, take City Bus from bus platform D1 or

Hours: 9:30–17:00

D2.Get off at theHakubutsukan Sanjusangendo-maebus

※MuseumhoursmaychangeduringSpecialExhibitionperiods,etc.

stopinfrontoftheMuseum.

※Lastentryis30minutesbeforeclosing●TrainClosed:Mondays(IfMondayisanationalholiday,theMuseumwillbeopenonMondayandK
 intetsuRailway:GetoffatTanbabashiStationandtransfer

closedonTuesday)andduringtheyear-endandNewYearholiday(DecembertotheKeihanRailway.FromKeihanTanbabashiStationtake

27–January1)aDemachi-yanagi-boundtraintoShichijoStation.Walkeast-※TheCollectionGalleriesmaybeclosedduringSpecialExhibitionsorwhileSpecial

wardalongShichijo(Nanajo)Street forabout7minutesto

Exhibitionsarebeinginstalledordeinstalled.

theMuseum.

※Additionally,theMuseummaybeclosedtemporarily.

K eihanRailway:Get off atShichijoStation. Walkeastward

Admission:Adults:700yenalong Shichijo(Nanajo) Street for about 7 minutes to the

Universitystudents:350yenMuseum.

※ A separate admission charge applies during periods when only SpecialH ankyuRailway:GetoffatKyotoKawaramachiStation.Walk

Exhibitions, the Collection Galleries, and the Museum Gardens are open to

eastwardover thebridge to theKeihanRailwayGionShijo

visitors.

Station. TakeanOsaka-boundKeihan train toShichijoSta-※Anypersonwithdisabilitiesandoneaccompanyingcaregiverareadmittedfree

tion.WalkeastwardalongShichijo(Nanajo)Streetforabout※Personsover70orunder18areadmittedfreetotheCollectionGalleries

7minutestotheMuseum.

※PleasenotethatopeningdaysandhoursaresubjecttochangeP arking: Themuseumhaslimitedparkingatanhourlyrate.
Pleaseusepublictransportationwheneverpossible.

NARA NATIONAL MUSEUM

AccessTodaiji
TempleN
W

Himuro Jinja 卍
NaraShrinePrefectural
Office underpass

E
S
Kintetsu
Nara Station

50 Noborioji-cho, Nara City

Noborioji Street

Kohfukuji
Temple 卍

JR
Sta Naration

Nara Prefecture 630-8213
Phone: +81-742-22-7771(Main switchboard)

Sanjo Street

https://www.narahaku.go.jp/

Visitor Information
Hours:9:30–17:00※OnFridaysandSaturdays(excludingtheyear-endandNewYearholi-卍Gangoji
Temple●TrainKintetsuLine:15minutesfromKintetsuNaraStation.
●BusTaketheNaraCityLoopLinefromJRorKintetsuNaraStationtotheHimuroJinja/KokuritsuHakubutsukanbusstop.

Admission:Adults:700yen

dayperiod).PermanentCollectionexhibitionsandfeatureexhibitions

Universitystudents:350yen

areopenuntil20:00※Anadditionalchargeisrequiredforspecialexhibitions※Opening hours are occasionally extended during special seasonal
eventsintheNaraarea※Opening hours for special exhibitions and joint exhibitions vary by
exhibition※Lastentryis30minutesbeforeclosing※Any person with disabilities and one accompanying caregiverareadmittedfree※P ersons over 70 or under 18 are admitted free to thePermanentCollectionexhibitions※Free admission to the Permanent Collection exhibitions on

Closed:Mondays(ifMondayisanationalholiday,themuseumwillbeopenonInternational Museum Day (May 18, or the following day if

Monday and closed on Tuesday) and during the year-end and New

May 18 falls on a Monday), Kansai Culture Day, the day ofYearholiday(December28–January1)

the Owatari-Shiki procession in the On-Matsuri Festival, and

※The Museum may also be closed on other days due to special cir-onSetsubun(February3)

cumstances※Pleasenotethatopeningdaysandhoursaresubjecttochange

4KasugaTaisha Shrine

Nara National Museum

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2021

KYUSHU NATIONAL MUSEUM
4-7-2, Ishizaka, Dazaifu City, Fukuoka

Access35Prefecture, 818-0118
Phone: +81-92-918-2807

Dazaifu Tenmangu
Shrine(Main switchboard)
www.kyuhaku.jp
Nishitetsu
Dazaifu
StationNis
Da hitetzaif suuL
ine

Visitor Information
Hours:9:30–17:00※Openuntil20:00onFridaysandSaturdays※Lastentryis30minutesbeforeclosing
Closed:Mondays (if Monday is a national holiday, the Museum will be open on Monday and
closedonTuesday)andduringtheyear-endholiday(December24–31)
Admission:Adults:700yen
Universitystudents:350yen)indicatespricesforpayingvisitorsingroupsof20ormore※Anadditionalchargeisrequiredforspecialexhibitions※Personsover70orunder18areadmittedfreetotheCulturalExchangeExhibition
(permanentexhibition)※Free admission to the Cultural Exchange Exhibition on Children’s Day (May 5),International Museum Day (May 18, or the following day if May 18 falls on a
Monday),andRespectfortheAgedDay(thethirdMondayofSeptember)※Pleasenotethatopeningdaysandhoursaresubjecttochange¯¯
Komyozenji
Temple76
Chikushino-Dazaifu Line

●TrainNishitetsu Rail Line: From Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin)
Station, take the Nishitetsu Tenjin Omuta Line to Nishitetsu Futsukaichi Station (about 16 minutes on theLimited Express, 18 minutes on an Express train), andtransfer to the Nishitetsu Dazaifu Line (about 5 minutes),andgetoffatNishitetsuDazaifuStation.Abouta
10minutewalkfromNishitetsuDazaifuStation.
*No extra charge is required for taking the Limited ExpressoranExpresstrain.
JR Line: From JR Hakata Station, take the JR KagoshimaChuoLine(about15minutesontheRapidtrain)and
getoffatJRFutsukaichiStation.TransfertoNishitetsu
Futsukaichi Station on foot (12 minutes) or by bus (5
minutes).TaketheNishitetsuDazaifuLineandgetoffat
NishitetsuDazaifuStation.TheMuseumisa10minute
walkfromthestation.
●CarO n the Kyushu Expressway, about a 20 minute drivefromeitherDazaifuI.C.orChikushinoI.C.viaTakaoIntersection.OntheFukuokaUrbanExpressway,abouta20
minutedrivefromMizukiexitviaTakaoIntersection.
●TaxiAbout 15 minutes from JR Futsukaichi Station, or 30
minutesfromFukuokaAirport.
●NishitetsuBus
From the Hakata Bus Terminal (bus stop no. 11), takethebustoDazaifuandgetoffatNishitetsuDazaifuStation(thebusrideisabout40minutes).TheMuseumisa10minutewalkfromthestation.

TOKYO NATIONAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE FOR
CULTURAL PROPERTIES
https://www.tobunken.go.jp/←To Ikebukuro
Station卍 Kaneiji

JR Uguisudani
StationtempleUeno juniorHigh School
International Library ofchildren’s Literature

TOKYO NATIONAL
MUSEUM

Kuroda Memorial HallThe University
Art Museum-Tokyo
University of the Arts

Shinobugaoka
Junior High School

Tokyo National
Research Institute forCultural Properties

Tokyo Metropolitan
Art Museum

Ueno Zoo

Ueno park

National Museumof Nature andScienceNational Museumof Western Art
Park Exit
Tokyo Metropolitan
Festival Hall

To Tokyo Station

Phone: +81-3-3823-2241

Access

JR UenoStation13-43 Ueno Park,Taito-ku,Tokyo, 110-8713↑※(

KyushuNational
Museum●TrainJR Line: 10 minute walk from the South Exit of
Uguisudani Station, or 15 minute walk from theParkExitofUenoStation.
GinzaorHibiyaTokyoMetroLine:20minutewalkfromUenoStation.
Chiyoda Tokyo Metro Line: 20 minute walk from
NezuStation.
K eisei Line: 20 minute walk from Keisei Ueno
Station.

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2021

5

NARA NATIONAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE FOR
CULTURAL PROPERTIES
AccessHeijo Area

Asuka and Fujiwara Areao→Kashihara
jingo shrine←To Osaka
Abenobashi

Kashihara
Kintetsu Minami jingu-mae Sta.
Osaka LineTheInstituteandtheNaraPalaceSiteMuseum●TrainKintetsu Line: 10 minutes from the North Exit of
YamatoSaidaijiStation.
●BusFrom JR and Kintetsu Nara Stations, take the Nara
KotsuBusandgetoffattheNijochobusstop.

Visitor Information(Asuka/Fujiwara)

Route 169

Omiya St.

To Kintetsu Nara→

Kintetsu
kashihara Line
Unebi goryomae
Sta.

Shin Omiya
Sta.

JR-WestＮara Sta.

e←To Osaka

Route24

Kintetsu Kashihara Line←To Kashiharajingu-mae

Nara Lin

Ichijo St

Mt AmanokaguyamaaKintetsu

To Sakurai→
To Sakurai→

Fujiwara Department of Imperial
Palace Site Palace Sites Investigations

Route 24

w
ga r
ka ve
su Ri

SuzakuGate

Miminashi
Sta.
JR Sakurai LineA

2-9-1 Nijo-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture 630-8577
Phone: +81-742-30-6733
https://www.nabunken.go.jp/

Nara palace
East Palace
Site
GardenRoute 165
JR Unebi
Sta.

←To Takada

t
es ne
-W Li
JR sainKa

Nara National
Research Institutefor Cultural
Properties

zu
Ki

Y
←T Said amatooa
Na Osak iji Sta
mb a
.
a

Kintetsu Osaka Line

Yamato←To Osaka Yagi Sta.
Uehonmachi

To

Nara Palace
Site Museum

Former Imperial
Audience Hall
Excavation Site
Exhibition Hall←

To Kyot

Asuka HistoricalMuseumOkuyama kumedera
temple↓To Yoshino

Asuka Niimasu
Jinjya shrine

Yamadadera
templeDepartment of Imperial Palace Sites Investigations
(Asuka/Fujiwara)●Taxi
20minutesfromKintetsuYamatoYagiStation.
TheAsukaHistoricalMuseum●Taxi20 minutes from Kintetsu Kashihara Jingu Mae
Station.
●Bus
FromeitherKintetsuKashiharaJinguMaeStation
orKintetsuAsukaStation,taketheKameBusand
get off at the Asuka Okuyama Asuka Historical
MuseumWestbusstop.
From JR/Kintetsu Sakurai Station, take the Nara
Kotsu Bus and get off at the Asuka Historical
Museumbusstop.

●Asuka Historical Museum
Hours:9:00–16:30(lastentryat16:00)●Nara Palace Site Museum

Hours:9:00–16:30(freeadmission;lastentryat16:00)
Closed:Mondays (if Monday is a national holiday, the Museum will be open on
Monday and closed on Tuesday) and during the year-end and New Year
holiday(December29–January3)
Phone:+81-742-30-6753(CollaborationPromotionDivision)●Exhibition Room of the Fujiwara Palace Site
Hours:9:00–16:30(freeadmission)
Closed:During the year-end and New Year holiday (December 29–January 3) and
duringexhibitionrenewalperiods
Phone:+81-744-24-1122(DepartmentofImperialPalaceSitesInvestigationsfor

Closed:Mondays(IfMondayisanationalholiday,theMuseumwillbe
open on Monday and closed on Tuesday) and during theyear-endandNewYearholiday(December26–January3)
Admission:Adults:350yen
Universitystudents:200yen※A n additional charge may be required for special
exhibitions※A ny person with disabilities and one accompanying
caregiverareadmittedfree※Personsover65orunder18areadmittedfree
Phone:+81-744-54-3561(AsukaHistoricalMuseum)

AsukaandFujiwara)

INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH CENTRE FOR INTANGIBLE
CULTURAL HERITAGE IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION (IRCI)
AccessShin-osaka

Highway
Sakai Exit

To Namba

https://www.irci.jp

N
Koy ankaia Line

JR Hanwa Line

NintokuTenno-ryo
Kofun
Bus Stop
Hakubutukan-mae

IRCI
Goryodori
Daisennishimachi2cho

Mikun

igaokaMozu

Hankai Line
GoryomaeTennojii

Phone:+81-72-275-8050

shiga

Sakai City, Osaka 590-0802

kaih

Sa

Sakai City Museum, 2 cho Mozusekiun-cho, Sakai-ku,

City OfficeOsaka

To Kansai
Airport●TrainJRHanwaLine:6minutesfromMozuStation.
●BusN ankaiBus:4minutesfromtheSakaishiHakubutsukanmaebusstop.

6

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2021

Ⅲ

Projects of the National Institutes for Cultural
Heritage

The Undertakings of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage include:
Preservation and Transmission of Tangible Cultural Properties, andUtilization of Cultural Properties to Disseminate Japan’s History andTraditional Culture Nationally and Internationally１（1）Collection and Preservation of Tangible Cultural Properties, and Transmission of
Tangible Cultural Properties to Future Generations
As core institutions involved in the preservation and transmission of history and traditional culture, each museum collects objects
according to its own individual collection policy to ensure that its collection is systematically and historically balanced.
We also work closely with the Agency for Cultural Affairs to encourage donations and long-term loans from private owners, utilizing
the System of Enrolled Art Objects, for example, or by improving the inheritance tax system to make donations of objects easier.
Japan’s cultural properties are the precious assets of the Japanese people. In order to pass on this heritage to future
generations, we implement thorough management of items in the collections, and make efforts to improve the environments for these
items while working systematically to conserve them, with those requiring urgent treatment given priority. This work is carried out
through the coordinated efforts of NICH's conservators and professionals of conservation science as well as specialists (both internaland external) in the fields of conservation science and restoration technology, using both traditional techniques and modern scientificmethods. Conservation studios and other facilities also recognize the need to protect cultural properties from natural disasters, andare working with the government to make further preparations.

■Acquisition

We continually strive to acquire cultural properties through purchases and donations with the aim of:（1）building collections
that are both systematically and historically balanced, and（2）preventing the dispersion of private collections and the export oftangible cultural properties from Japan. Furthermore, the four museums each accept long-term loans from temples, shrines, andprivate collectors in order to further enhance their distinctive regular exhibitions.

Number of Items in the Museum Collections

Total

Total

Tokyo National Museum

ImportantNational
CulturalTreasures
Properties

Total

１３１，
４３３ １３５１，
００６ １１９，９４２ImportantNational
CulturalTreasures
Properties
８９

６４８（Entries）

Kyoto National Museum
Total
８，
１５０

ImportantNational
CulturalTreasures
Properties
２９

２００

Nara National Museum Kyushu National Ｍuseum
Total

ImportantNational
CulturalTreasures
Properties

１，
９２９

１３

１１４

Nara National Research Institute holds 1 National Treasure and 5 Important Cultural Properties.

Total
１，
４１２

ImportantNational
CulturalTreasures
Properties
４

４４（Figures as of March 31, 2021）

Nara National
Research Institute forCultural Properties
ImportantNational
CulturalTreasures
Properties
1
5

Number of Items on Long-term Loan to the Museums
Total（Entries）

Tokyo National Museum Kyoto National Museum Nara National Museum Kyushu National Museum

Important
Important
Important
Important
ImportantNational
National
National
National
National
Total
Cultural Total
Cultural Total
Cultural Total
Cultural Total
CulturalTreasures
Treasures
Treasures
Treasures
Treasures
Properties
Properties
Properties
Properties
Properties
１２，
４９５

１９７

１，
２０１

２，
６５１

５４

２６２

６，
５４７

８８

６１８

１，
９８８

５３

３０９

１，
３０９

２

１２

（Figures as of March 31, 2021）■Conservation and Restoration

Tangible cultural properties preserved in museum collections need to be conserved approximately once every 100 years. The
Institutes carry out two levels of conservation work: minimal treatments that allow for the safe display and storage of theobjects: and full-scale treatments, carried out systematically in accordance with the conditions of the objects.

（２）Exhibitions
We disseminate information both nationally and internationally to promote understanding of the history and traditional culture ofJapan and other Asian regions. For this purpose, we hold attractive exhibitions and high-quality displays that reflect both visitor
needs and the latest academic trends, while also taking into consideration the needs of international cultural exchange.
In addition, we constantly strive to make our museums more visitor-friendly and more in tune with ‘new lifestyles’ by setting
flexible opening hours and creating multilingual and accessible environments, with extensive information for visitors to enhancethe overall museum experience. We are also making improvements to museum management in response to visitor feedback.

■Exhibitions

Each museum holds its own distinctive regular and special exhibitions to provide opportunities for visitors to engage withtraditional art and archaeological objects, including National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties. We also collaborate
with museums overseas to hold exhibitions that introduce a variety of cultures.
Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2021

7

■Number of Visitors（FY 2020）
Total

Tokyo National Museum

Kyoto National Museum

Nara National Museum

Kyushu National Museum

800,183

375,575

170,494

122,452

131,662

Thematic Exhibition, Japan and the World: 300 years
of Global Exchange (Tokyo National Museum) (November

Feature Exhibition, The Wild World of Kyuhaku(Kyushu National Museum) (June 2-July 12, 2020)25, 2020-January 11, 2021)（３）Education and Outreach Activities
To promote understanding of the history and traditional culture of Japan and other Asian regions, we provide a variety of educational programs, such as lectures and workshops, in cooperation with schools and other educational institutions, based on aconsideration of ‘new lifestyles.’Furthermore, we work with universities to provide professional training and we support volunteer activities with the aim of further
improving our educational programs. We also implement training programs for museum professionals, conservators, and others.
Finally, we actively utilize the internet to disseminate information about cultural properties, collect and display materials, andpublicize details about exhibitions and educational activities to a domestic and international audience.

Find your favorite Kannon! (Kyoto National Museum)(July 23-September 13, 2020)

Collaboration with Nara City: Learning about World
Heritage (Nara National Museum)（４）Research on the Collection, Preservation, and Exhibition of Tangible Cultural
Properties (namely fine and applied arts), and Educational Activities
We conduct surveys and research relating to the collection, preservation, and exhibition of tangible cultural properties, as well as educational activities, on a systematic
basis; organize international symposia to which leading researchers are invited; arrange for NICH staff to work at overseas research institutes and attend international
conferences; and conduct research while accumulating the latest information.
The results obtained from our surveys and research are publicized using a variety of methods, including publications and the internet, thereby contributing to thetransmission of cultural properties to the next generation and to the promotion ofJapanese culture.

Preparation of “Welcome to the Underwater
Archeological Sites Handbook!”, a pamphlet introducing
our research on improving and expanding the system
for safeguarding underwater archeological sites (aproject carried out by Nara National Research Institutefor Cultural Properties and Kyushu National Museum onbehalf the Agency for Cultural Affairs).

（５）Contribution to Museum-related Activities in Japan and Abroad
We actively loan our collections out for exhibitions at other museums within Japanand overseas based on a comprehensive consideration of conservation conditions
and environments.
We also strive to exchange information with and provide specialist/technicalguidance and advice to other museums and galleries within Japan and overseas.
International Symposium: “Creating a Global
Museum Community through the Arts of Japan:
Challenges in and after the Era of COVID-19”(2020 Curatorial Exchange Program for Japanese
Art Specialists Abroad Planning Committee) (January
30, 2021)

8

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2021

（６）New Initiatives Concerning the Transmission of Cultural Heritage Throughthe Promotion of Cultural Properties
In July 2018, The National Center for the Promotion of Cultural Properties(CPCP) was formally established in the headquarters of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage to serve as the national center for the display
and utilization of Japan’s cultural properties. While carefully maintaining
the right balance between conservation and use of cultural properties,
the CPCP is committed to providing opportunities for people at home andabroad to learn about Japan’s priceless cultural heritage.
The CPCP’s core activities are as follows.
1) Promotion of model projects and development of content which enablepeople to come into contact with cultural properties
The CPCP collaborates with private and public organizations to create
reproductions of cultural properties using advanced technologies suchas virtual reality, augmented reality and 8K resolution video. These reproductions provide the public with user-friendly formats for interactingwith and learning about Japan’s cultural properties.
2) Promotion of the lending of items in the collections of national museums and provision of relevant advice
The CPCP pursues loan projects aimed at facilitating the display ofcultural properties from national museum collections at museums andgalleries across Japan. To this end, the CPCP bears the costs of object
transportation and advertising, for example, and it also pursues initiatives aimed at conveying the appeal and value of our cultural heritage
to a wider audience.
3) Promotion of the creation of cultural property digital resources anddistribution of information throughout Japan and the world
The CPCP aims to improve the user-friendliness of NICH’s digital resources by consolidating those currently maintained separately byeach national museum and research institute. These resources are being consolidated into the “e-Museum” website, a website that presents
high-resolution images of approximately 1,100 National Treasures andother important cultural properties from the collections of the National
Museums, and “ColBase,” a website that allows users to search all of
the items in the NICH-affiliated institutions’ collections.
4) Consultation, advice, and support concerning the preservation of culturalproperties
The CPCP provides research assistance, consultation services, andgeneral inquiry assistance regarding conservation environments of museums. The CPCP also holds workshops and seminars about storage
environments and personnel development to give other museums a reliable resource for conservation-related issues.
5) In addition, as part of our fund-raising activities, we also implement initiatives to raise funds from a wide range of sources to support projects
relating to the conservation and utilization of cultural properties.

Creation and utilization of a high-definition replica(Family Gallery TNM and “Art Tunes!” Present:
Becoming Japanese Art―Round Two!)

National Museum Collection Loan Promotion
Project (FY 2020):
Koga Historical Museum, Visiting a nationaltreasure. Senseki Takami statue and cultural
assets related to Furukawa

A seminar on the survey and management of aconservation environment

Research and Collaborative Projects for the Protection of
２ Implementing
Cultural Properties and Overseas Cultural Heritage
We undertake the following types of surveys and research to contribute to the formation of the framework of knowledge andtechniques required to facilitate the transmission of priceless cultural properties to future generations.

（１）Research Leading to New Ideas
We are engaged in undertaking fundamental and systematic research relating to cultural properties (including collaborative
research and research-related exchange with other organizations, both in Japan and overseas) and also surveys and researchthat contribute to the preservation and effective utilization of cultural properties. The results achieved through these surveys andresearch have led to an increase in the amount of basic data available, facilitated the accumulation of academic knowledge, andprovided the basic information needed to support the designation of cultural properties, while also contributing, at individual andcollective levels, to the planning and establishment of cultural property preservation measures by national and local government
bodies, as well as the evaluation of cultural properties.

Performance of a scaled-down (due to COVID-19)
version of the Yudate Shishimai (Lion Dance)(Miyagino, Hakone Town, Kanagawa Prefecture)(Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties)

Survey of Matsue Shrine(Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture)(Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties)

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2021

9

（２）Basic Research for the Improvement of Research and Development Utilizing
Science and Technology
We undertake the following types of research and development to support thedevelopment of research on the value and preservation of cultural properties:① We contribute to the enhancement of the accuracy and effectiveness ofcultural property survey methods through the promotion of R&D work suchas the application of science and technology. We also contribute towards
the clarification of the background (cultural, historical, and natural environment) against which cultural properties came into being, and the processof change in this background over time.
② As a core research center for research relating to cultural property preservation science and restoration techniques, restoration materials, andproduction techniques, we work to develop new cultural property researchtechniques that utilize the latest scientific and technological developments. We also promote cutting-edge surveys and research with the aim

Spectrophotometric measurement of exposed
dyed silk cloths (Tokyo National Research Institute forCultural Properties)

of fostering joint research and research-related exchange with other institutions both in Japan and overseas.

（３）International Collaboration for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage
We promote the acquisition and analysis of information from abroad regarding
cultural heritage, and also promote cooperative programs for its protection. Additionally, we implement human resource development and technology transfer
programs for the conservation and restoration of cultural heritage. All of theaforementioned endeavors—which are pursued while utilizing the knowledge,
technology, and experience that Japan has accumulated for the protectionof cultural heritage—are contributions of international importance. Moreover,through cooperation with researchers and other specialists in the Asia-Pacificregion, we conduct research and promote international collaboration for theprotection of intangible cultural heritage endangered by natural disasters andother threats. Through such activities for the protection of humanity’s sharedassets, we contribute to cultural exchange and mutual understanding between
countries.

International Workshop on the pr o ject “ICH’scontribution to SDGs” (Tokyo National Museum, November2019) (IRCI)（４）Collecting and Collating Information Relating to Cultural Properties, andPublicizing and Utilizing the Results of Surveys and Research
We are working to promote the digitalization of information relating to culturalproperties and expand related specialist archives, as well as organizing public
lectures and international symposia, and expanding the content included on
the websites of the individual facilities that make up the NICH, with the aim offurthering the collection, collation and preservation of information relating tocultural properties, and of ensuring that such outcomes are widely publicizedand disseminated. We are also working to expand the displays of survey andresearch results held at the Nara Palace Site Museum, Exhibition Room of
Fujiwara Imperial Site, and Asuka Historical Museum of the Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, so as to provide the general public witha more in-depth understanding of related areas.

54rd Public Lecture: “Pathway from Form, Pathway
to Form ” (Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural

Properties)（５）Provision of Training for, and Collaboration with, Local Government Authorities
in Relation to Cultural Properties
We make effective use of results obtained from past surveys and research
to contribute to the enhancement of knowledge and techniques through theimplementation of training tailored to the needs of local government authorities. We also cultivate the core human resource that willl play key roles in thepreservation of Japan’s cultural properties in the future, through collaborativeeducation projects in conjunction with university graduate schools. After theGreat East Japan Earthquake of 2011, we played a central role in activities
conducted to rescue cultural properties at the request of the Agency for Cultural Affairs. Making effective use of this experience, we are also undertaking
research projects and capacity building aimed at putting in place a nationwide
system for coordination and collaboration so as to develop a network for safeguarding and rescuing cultural properties in the event of future large-scale disasters such as major earthquakes.

10

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2021

A workshop from the ‘Preservation Science Course:
Artifacts Made of Metal I’ (Nara National ResearchInstitute for Cultural Properties)

（６）Cultural Heritage Disaster Risk Management Initiatives
The Cultural Heritage Disaster Risk Management Center was established in the head office of the Independent Administrative Institution
National Institutes for Cultural Heritage (NICH) on October 1, 2020. The
Center is tasked with setting up a framework to protect a wide-rangeof cultural properties from frequently-occurring disasters in a mannerthat utilizes the broad network of organizations already active in thefield of cultural heritage. To this end, the Center undertakes the following initiatives based on the three core missions of (1) ‘Reducing
disaster risk’ in order to safeguard our cultural heritage, (2) ‘Building
systems and developing technologies’ to save disaster-hit culturalproperties as quickly as possible, and (3) ‘Providing support for rescue operations’ for cultural properties when disasters actually occur.
Initiatives

An on-the-ground survey of disaster damage(1) Building regional disaster prevention frameworks
The Center is building regional cultural property disaster prevention
frameworks in close cooperation with other institutions involved in
the field of cultural heritage, such as local governments, galleries
and museums, university research institutions, and local historicalmaterials networks.
(2) Formulating guidelines for disasters
The Center is engaged in the formulation of guidelines to facilitate
the swift commencement of cultural property rescue operations
when disasters occur.
(3) Developing technologies related to the rescue, storage and display of cultural properties
The Center is engaged in the development of technologies for the
regular storage and display of cultural properties and for the rescue

Producing a YouTube video entitled “Cultural Property
Disaster Prevention 10 Years After the Great East Japan
Earthquake” as part of activities aimed at raising awarenessand disseminating informationof cultural properties when disasters occur.
(4) Raising awareness and disseminating information
The Center seeks to raise awareness and spread knowledge through the provision of instruction, advice and training, for example, and it also disseminates information about its activities to a wide audience both within Japan and overseas.
(5) Collecting and utilizing information related to cultural heritage disaster prevention
The Center collects information about cultural heritage disaster prevention and it examines ways to utilize this information to
improve the functionality of Japan’s cultural heritage disaster prevention system.

３ New Projects
We are undertaking the following new initiatives, with the aim of properly exercising our policy implementation function as Japan’snational center for museums and cultural property research, and of ensuring that we implement policies effectively and efficiently.

（１）Japan Cultural Expo
Taking advantage of the opportunity provided by the 2020 Tokyo Olympics andParalympics, Japan’s Agency for Cultural Affairs is joining forces with related local government authorities, cultural institutions, and other groups to organize theJapan Cultural Expo, which will showcase Japanese aesthetics and values both
domestically and internationally. As part of the Japan Cultural Expo, art exhibitions,performing arts shows, and cultural and artistic festivals that embody the Japanese
ideal of beauty will be held throughout Japan, making this the largest project of its
kind ever implemented.
The NICH will also participate in the Japan Cultural Expo and we will organize
special exhibitions, thematic exhibitions and events to promote the diversity andbroad appeal of Japanese culture, both within Japan and overseas. These activities
will also contribute to handing down and further developing Japanese arts and cul-

Logo for the Japan Cultural Expoture, and to further enhancing international understanding of Japan.

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2021

11

Ⅳ Activities of Each Institution
TOKYO NATIONAL MUSEUM
As Japan’s foremost museum in the humanities field, Tokyo National Museum collects, preserves, manages, and displays cultural properties from across Japan and other Asian regions, while also conducting research and providing educational programs.

ZENIYA Masami
Executive Director
Tokyo National Museum

The Tokyo National Museum was established in 1872, making it the oldest museum in Japan.
We collect, preserve, restore, and display a large number of National Treasures and Important Cultural
Properties as well as around 120,000 tangible cultural properties, mainly from Japan and various Asian
regions. We also conduct surveys and research in addition to providing educational programs on them.
The Museum is working to develop more appealing comprehensive cultural exhibitions by holding
seasonal events in addition to its display of collected and preserved works. We also run school programs,
guided tours, workshops, and various other programs that help participants appreciate cultural properties
while becoming more familiar with and further understanding them through, for example, art-making
experiences.
Additionally, as Japanese culture attracts global attention, we will play a central role in disseminating
it to the world and will strive to become a more appealing museum. To this end, we are formulating andimplementing the TNM Plan for a New ERA with the goals of promoting easy-to-understand exhibitioncommentary and multilingual support as well as creating a comfortable viewing environment.
We will continue in our efforts to make the Tokyo National Museum more enjoyable for everyone,
including children and adults, as well as visitors from around the world.

■Exhibitions●Regular Exhibitions

The regular exhibitions comprise the core function of the museum’s exhibition activities, displaying works from the museum collection as well
as objects on loan to the museum. Exhibits are rotated periodically, with an approximate total of 400 rotations annually. The regular exhibition galleries are as follows:
HONKAN (Japanese Gallery): The 2nd floor provides an overview of the history of Japanese art in chronological order from the Jomon to the
Edo period. The exhibits on the 1st floor are categorized by genre and include sculptures, ceramics, and swords.
TOYOKAN (Asian Gallery): This building is dedicated to artworks and archeological artifacts from China, the Korean Peninsula, Southeast
Asia, Central Asia, India, Egypt, and other regions.
HEISEIKAN: The Japanese Archaeology Gallery located on the 1st floor displays objects, such as dogū and haniwa clay figurines as well as
bronze bells, dating from the Paleolithic through to the Edo period; the Thematic Exhibition Room, also on the first floor, is used for thematicand educational displays.
The Gallery of Horyuji Treasures: This building exhibits objects selected from over 300 cultural properties donated to the Imperial Family by
Horyuji Temple in Nara.
HYOKEIKAN: This building has been used for special exhibitions and special events in recent years.
Kuroda Memorial Hall: This building was built through a bequest from one of the most renowned painters of modern Japan, Kuroda Seiki, andis used to exhibit his works.
●Thematic Exhibitions

Thematic exhibitions focus on specific themes and are held as part of the Museum’s regular exhibitions. The following are examples of thosescheduled for fiscal year 2021 (the dates given are tentative):
・Nachi: The Hidden Treasures of a Sacred Land (June 8-July 18, 2021)
・The Noh and Kyōgen Masks of Kasuga Shrine in Seki (July 20-September 26, 2021)
・Chinese Paintings and Calligraphy Imported to Edo Japan (tentative) (September 7-October 17, 2021)
・Buddhist Sculptures from Sensōji Temple (tentative) (September 28-December 19, 2021)
・History Lessons from the Roof Tiles of Tōdai-ji Temple (October 19-December 12, 2021)
・Southern Chinese Ceramics that Swept Japan (tentative) (December 21, 2021-February 20, 2022)

New Year's Celebration at the Tokyo National
Museum: Year of the Ox (January 2-31, 2021)

12

Special Exhibition KIMONO: Fashioning
Identities (June 30- August 23, 2020)

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2021

Special Exhibition, Momoyama: Artistic Visions
in a Turbulent Century(October 6-November 29, 2020)

●Special Exhibitions
Special exhibitions are held to share the results of our research and to meet visitor interest. The following are examples of special
exhibitions scheduled for the fiscal year 2021:※The exhibition dates are subject to change.
・Special Exhibition, National Treasure: Frolicking Animals (April 13-June 20, 2021) *This exhibition was temporarily suspended from April 25 to May 31
・Special Exhibition, Sacred Treasures from Ancient Nara: The Eleven-Headed Kannon of Shōrinji Temple (June 22-September 12,
2021)
・Special Exhibition, The 1400th Memorial for Prince Shōtoku HŌRYŪJI Prince Shōtoku and Treasures of Early Buddhist Faith in Japan(July 13-September 5, 2021)
・Special Exhibition, Commemorating the 1200th Anniversary of Saichō’s Death Buddhist Art of the Tendai School (October
12-November 21, 2021)■Acquisition, Conservation, and Restoration

The Museum seeks to create a comprehensive display of Asian cultural properties with a focus
on Japan through the acquisition of works of art by purchase, donation, and loan. We also carryout a variety of collection management measures to allow deteriorated objects to be safely exhibited in the future. These measures include enhancing gallery and storage environments, improving display and transportation methods, conducting collection assessment, as well as performing about 40 full restorations and 240 emergency treatments of works annually.

■Education

To provide a better museum experience for visitors, we offer opportunities for as many people aspossible to get to know the museum, and we help them to develop a deeper understanding ofJapanese and Asian culture. By collaborating with schools and developing volunteer activities,
we strive to establish a pioneering model for engaging museum projects while promoting effective educational programs that reflect our role as a leading museum in Japan.
○Providing learning opportunities
Gallery talks, seminars, lecture series, workshops, and “behind the scenes” tours introducing
the Museum’s preservation and restoration work, and other exhibition-related events.
○Educational and thematic exhibits called “Family Galleries”○Collaboration with schools
School programs (art appreciation programs, work experience programs, and programs for visually impaired students)
Teacher training (in relation to Special Exhibitions and Regular Exhibitions)○Partnerships with universities
Campus Members System and internship programs for graduate students○Volunteer activities
Assistance for educational activities, visitor information, and guided tours※Some programs have been moved online.
※These activities may be changed or cancelled due to COVID-19.

An online monthly lecture

Family Gallery TNM and “Art Tunes!”
Present: Becoming Japanese Art―
Round Two!

■Research

We conduct research on cultural properties originating in Asia, with a focus on Japan. Researchoutcomes are reflected in the museum’s collection, and in our collection and exhibition activities.
Research is partially supported by Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research and other grants for cultural activities. Research conducted in fiscal year 2021 includes the following:
・Special research projects on the treasures of Horyu-ji Temple donated to the Imperial
Household in 1878, including calligraphy, decorative arts, sculpture, paintings, and artifacts
・Research on cultural properties at temples and shrines in the Kanto region
・Research on eastern peoples and eastern archeological materials
・Joint research on the composition of silk and dyed textile used in arts and crafts
・Research related to “Nachi: The Hidden Treasures of a Sacred Land” and other Thematic Exhibitions

BriefHistory

1872: Opened as the Museum of the Ministry of Education, on theoccasion of Japan’s first public exposition held by the ministry
in the Yushima Seido, Tokyo.
1875: Transferred to the Ministry of the Interior. The museum hadeight exhibition categories at this time: natural products,
agriculture & forestation, industrial technology, art, history,
education, religion, and army and navy.
1882: Moved to the present location, a site formerly occupied by theheadquarters of Kan’eiji temple.
1889: Reorganized as the Imperial Museum under the supervision of
the Imperial Household Agency.
1900: Renamed the Tokyo Imperial Household Museum.
1909: Hyokeikan opened.
1923: Former Honkan building destroyed in the Great Kanto
Earthquake.
1925: Natural history collections transferred to the Tokyo Museum of
the Ministry of Education (present-day National Science
Museum) and other institutions.
1938: Present Honkan building opened.
1947: Transferred to the Ministry of Education and renamed the
National Museum.
1952: Renamed the Tokyo National Museum.
1964: The Gallery of Horyuji Treasures (inaugural building) opened.
1968: Affiliated with the Agency for Cultural Affairs. Toyokan opened.
1984: The Shiryokan (the Research and Information Center) opened.
1999: The Gallery of Horyuji Treasures (current building) and Heiseikan
opened.
2001: Became the Independent Administrative Institution National
Museums, Tokyo National Museum.
2007: Integrated into the Independent Administrative Institution
National Institutes for Cultural Heritage as the Tokyo National
Museum.

A survey of textiles as part of a special
research project on decorative arts

Facilities （m2）Land Area

120,270（including the Kuroda Memorial Hall and the Yanase Villa）

Buildings

Building Area

Exhibition Buildings

23,639Gross Floor Area

Exhibition Area Total
Repository Area Total

78,44618,19911,042

HonkanBuilding Area
Exhibition Area

6,602
6,573

Gross Floor Area
Repository Area

22,416
4,028

Toyokan

Building Area
Exhibition Area

2,892
4,250

Gross Floor Area
Repository Area

12,531
1,373

Heiseikan

Building Area
Exhibition Area

5,542
4,471

Gross Floor Area
Repository Area

19,406
2,119

The Gallery of Horyuji
Treasures

Building Area
Exhibition Area

1,935
1,462

Gross Floor Area
Repository Area

4,031
291

Hyokeikan

Building Area
Exhibition Area

1,130
1,179

Gross Floor Area
Repository Area

2,077
0

Kuroda Memorial Hall

Building Area
Exhibition Area

724
264

Gross Floor Area
Repository Area

1,996
25

OthersBuilding Area

4,814

Gross Floor Area
Repository Area

15,9893,206

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2021

13

KYOTO NATIONAL MUSEUM
The Kyoto National Museum collects, preserves, manages, and exhibits cultural properties, while also conducting research and educational activities. It focuses on culturalproperties from the Heian period to the Edo period, a time when Kyoto was the capitalof Japan.
Kyoto prospered as Japan’s cultural center for over a thousand years, from the relocation of thecapital in 794, which marked the beginning of the Heian period, right through to the Meiji Restorationin 1868.
Kyoto National Museum was established in 1897 (Meiji 30) in Higashiyama, Kyoto, an area
steeped in these traditions. Since then, while functioning as a core institution for the preservation andtransmission of Kyoto’s tangible cultural properties, the museum has also worked to disseminate thevalue and appeal of Japan’s traditional culture to a wide audience, both nationally and internationally.
We constantly strive to maintain a high level of activities, even during these difficult times. While
deepening our response to globalization and the spread of information technology, we endeavor toserve as a center for schooling and lifetime learning, a nexus of exploration and creativity, a place ofleisure, and a hub of domestic and international tourism. In this way, we hope to build strong roots withthe local area while also being a museum that can be appreciated and enjoyed by everyone.

MATSUMOTO Nobuyuki
Executive Director
Kyoto National Museum■Exhibitions●Collection Galleries
The Collection Galleries in the Heisei Chishinkan Wing, which opened in September 2014, include thematic galleries for ceramics, archeological relics, paintings, calligraphy, decorative and applied arts,and sculpture. The galleries showcase some of the finest pieces from the ｍuseum’s 14,000 items(including items on long-term loan), and enable visitors to experience some of the most outstanding
examples of Kyoto’s unique cultural heritage. The items on display are changed periodically, so visitors
can expect to see different items on subsequent visits.
●Exhibitions※The exhibition dates are subject to change.
Heisei Chishinkanwing Wing
・Priest Gyōnen 700th Memorial Special Exhibition The Buddhist Legacy of Jianzhen (Ganjin) and His
Successors (March 27- May 16, 2021) ※This exhibition was temporarily suspended from April 25 to May 11
・Special Exhibition National Treasures of Kyoto: Preserving the Cultural Heritage of Japan's Ancient Capital (July 24- September 12, 2021)
・Special Exhibition Masterpieces from the Hatakeyama Memorial Museum of Fine Art: Noh, Chanoyu, and Rinpa (October 9-December 5, 2021)
・Feature Exhibition Olympia Meets Japanese Art (June 5-July 4, 2021)※Please note that due to the current closure of Meiji Kotokan (Main Hall), the Heisei Chishinkan Wing is being used alternately for both Special
Exhibitions and Collections Exhibitions.

Special Exhibition Kannon Worship: The Thirty
three Pilgrimage Sites of Western Japan(July 23-September 13, 2020)

Special Exhibition in Celebration of theEmperor’s Enthronement Treasures from theImperial Palace (October 10-November 23,
2020)

Feature Exhibition Celebrating the 40th
Anniversary of the Conservation Center for
Cultural Properties The Conservation ofJapanese Art (December 19, 2020-January

31, 2021)■Collection, Preservation, and Restoration of Cultural Properties
Since the museum’s establishment, numerous treasures from historical temples and shrines have been
entrusted to the Kyoto National Museum. Meanwhile, the number of cultural properties in the collection
has increased yearly through purchases and donations, with a focus on art or archaeological items related to Kyoto culture. These cultural properties must be restored and preserved appropriately so that they
may be enjoyed and appreciated by future generations. The Conservation Center for Cultural Properties,
the first comprehensive conservation facility for cultural properties in Japan, was established in 1980
to meet that need.

14

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2021

Conservation work underway in the Conservation
Center for Cultural Properties

■Educational Activities
We undertake a variety of activities via our exhibitions, website, and outreach to schools, in order to help people learn
more about the museum’s exhibitions and collections, and to
stimulate interest and concern for cultural properties.
○Activities held to enhance understanding of exhibition contents and exhibits
・The museum holds various lectures and seminars including
the Saturday Lectures and Commemorative Lectures. It
also operates the “Museum Cart” hands-on experience
Class to become acquainted with cultural
Summer Lectures
booths (staffed by “Kyohaku Navigators” volunteers), and(July 31 and August 1, 2020)
properties! by "Cultural Property
implements various types of workshops, as well as distribSommeliers" Kyoto City Ritsuryo Junioruting museum guide brochures, explanatory sheets, and theHigh School (December 14, 2020)“Museum Dictionary,” It also loans audio guides for juniors,
etc.
○Activities held to stimulate interest in cultural properties
・The museum organizes summer lectures, symposia and other lecture events, as well as arranging visits to elementary schools and junior highschools in Kyoto by “Cultural Property Sommeliers” making use of high-resolution digital reproductions of important works of art (Cultural Properties
School Outreach Classes), and organizing workshops in locations outside the museum.
○The museum works closely with educational institutions, organizing collaborative events.
・Collaborations between the museum and the university sector includes: the Campus Members System; the giving of lectures on historical, culturaland sociological topics by our curators at the Graduate School of Human and Environmental Studies, “Kyohaku Navigators” the training of “Cultural
Property Sommeliers”; support for teaching through the use of replicas; the holding of art appreciation events; and the holding of workshops for educators.
○Support for volunteer activities
・Implementation of the “Kyohaku Navigators” and “Cultural Property Sommeliers” systems, and training of “Kyohaku Navigators” and “Cultural Property
Sommeliers” volunteers.
※These activities may be changed or cancelled due to COVID-19.

■Research
Since 1979, the museum has been implementing an ongoing, comprehensive survey of cultural
assets owned by old temples and shrines in the Kinki region of Japan, centered on Kyoto. The resultsof these activities are published in our “Kyoto National Museum Shrine and Temple Inventory
Reports” The museum also continues to undertake research on its collections; the research results
are reflected in the museum’s displays and published in the Kyoto National Museum Bulletin.

Research underway at shrines and temples■Other Activities
A variety of special events are held to encourage more people to visit the Museum.
○Rakugo at the Museum
Kyoto National Museum has launched the “Rakugo at the Museum” project, whereby performancesof Rakugo (traditional comic storytelling, which originated in Kyoto and is an important aspect ofJapanese traditional culture) are held on a regular basis.

“Rakugo at the Museum” performance

Brief History

Facilities

1889: Established as the Imperial Museum of Kyoto under the supervision of the Imperial Household Agency Ｍinistry
1897: First exhibition held (May 1)
1900: Renamed as the Imperial Household Museum of Kyoto
1924: Donated to Kyoto City; renamed as the Imperial Gift Museumof Kyoto
1952: Transferred to the national government; renamed as the Kyoto National Museum
1966: Establishment of the Collections Hall
1968: Affiliated with the Agency for Cultural Affairs
1969: The Special Exhibition Hall, Main Gate, ticket booth and fences are designated as an Important Cultural Property under
the name of the Former Imperial Museum of Kyoto
1973: The Saturday lecture series starts
1980: The Conservation Center for Cultural Properties established
1997: A special ceremony was held in October to mark the 100th
anniversary of the Museum’s founding
2001: The South Gate constructed as part of the 100th Year Anniversary Hall construction project（tentative name）
2001: Transformed into the Independent Administrative Institution
National Museum, Kyoto National Museum
2007: Integrated into the Independent Administrative Institution
National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, as Kyoto National
Museum2009: Reconstruction begins on the former Collection Hall
2013: Construction of Heisei Chishinkan Wing（new Collection Hall）
is completed in August
2014: Heisei Chishinkan Wing is scheduled to open in September
2017: A special ceremony was held in May to mark the 120th anniversary of the Museum’s founding

Land Area2（m ）53,182

Buildings

Building Area

Exhibition Buildings

13,234Gross Floor Area

Exhibition Area Total
Repository Area Total

31,044
5,657
4,889

Special Exhibition Hall

Building Area
Exhibition Area

2,896
2,070

Gross Floor Area
Repository Area

3,015
803

Heisei Chishinkan Wing

Building Area
Exhibition Area

5,568
3,587

Gross Floor Area
Repository Area

17,9972,710

Former Administration
Building
Building Area

606

Gross Floor Area

1,988

Materials Building

Building Area

414

Gross Floor Area

1,125

Conservation Center for
Cultural Properties
Building Area

821

Gross Floor Area

2,786Technical Materials
CenterBuilding Area

101

Gross Floor Area

304

East Repository

Building Area

811

Gross Floor Area
Repository Area

1,471
880

North Repository

Building Area

310

Gross Floor Area
Repository Area

682
496

OthersBuilding Area

1,707

Gross Floor Area

1,676

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2021

15

NARA NATIONAL MUSEUM
The Nara National Museum collects, preserves, manages and displays cultural properties,
while also conducting research and providing educational programming. Its focus is on
Buddhist art and the cultural properties of Nara.
Since its opening in 1895, with the support of temples and shrines of the Nararegion, the Nara National Museum has been engaged in collecting, preserving, andconducting research and offering educational programs on cultural properties with a
special focus on Buddhist art. Through these activities, the museum has introduced
to the public the high artistic value and historical background of Japanese
Buddhist culture, unique for its syncreticism with indigenous beliefs. Keeping in
mind that various cultural properties are tied together in an organic whole with thehistorical and cultural landscape of Nara, we aim to reach a wide range of people
as a conveyor of Nara’s culture. To this end, we strive to promote the museum’s
international activities and a more effective use of information technology.

INOUE Yoichi
Executive Director
Nara National Museum■Exhibitions●Buddhist Art Exhibitions
In addition to holding special exhibitions and feature exhibitions, the museum also displays renowned masterworks of Buddhist art including many designated as National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties. The
Nara Buddist Sculpture Hall features ”Masterpieces of Buddhist Sculpture”, exceptional Buddist statues representative of the history of Japanese sculpture from the Asuka to the Kamakura period, dating from around theseventh century to the mid-fourteenth century. The Ritual Bronzes Gallery connected by a corridor features fineworks of Chinese ancient bronzes. The West Wing houses ”Masterpieces of Buddhist Art”, which introduces theessence of Japanese Buddhist art through selected items of painting, decorative art, calligraphy and artifacts.
In addition, thematic exhibitions from the permanent collection are occasionally held for themes that lie outside
a specific genre.

●Feature Exhibitions※The exhibition dates are subject to change.
Feature exhibitions are medium-scale exhibitions organized to explore a specific theme.
・Treasures of Todaiji’s Omizutori Ritual (February 5–March 27, 2022)●Special Exhibitions※The exhibition dates are subject to change.
・Special Exhibition, The 1400th Memorial for Prince Shōtoku HŌRYŪJI Prince Shōtoku and Treasures of Early Buddhist Faith in Japan (April 27–June20, 2021)
・Special Exhibition, Buddhist Art Paradise: Jewels of the Nara National Museum (July 17–September 12, 2021)
・The 73rd Annual Exhibition of Shōsō-in Treasures (Fall 2021*) *Dates TBD
・Special Exhibition, Sacred Treasures from Ancient Nara: The Eleven-Headed Kannon of Shōrinji Temple (February 5–March 27, 2021)

Celebrating the Enthronement Ceremonies of
His Majesty the Emperor: The Reproductionof Shoso-in Treasures—Encountering Tenpyo
Craftsmanship through the Recreation of 8thCentury Works (July 4–September 6, 2020)

The 72nd Annual Exhibition of Shōsō-in
Treasures (October 24–November 9, 2020)■Collection,Preservation,andRestorationofCulturalProperties
We strive to collect tangible cultural properties, which are valuable assets for the people of Japan, through purchase, donation and loan.
We work to maintain an ideal environment for our collections with meticulous care, by constantly controlling the temperature and humidity in our
exhibition and storage areas.
Most Japanese cultural properties are made of extremely fragile materials, such as paper and wood. Therefore, the museum must take proactive
steps to preserve these objects for future generations. For this reason, in 2002, we established the Conservation Center for Cultural Properties tohandle restoration projects by restorers.

16

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2021

■EducationalPrograms
We promote a variety of educational programs to impart upon audiences an understandingof the importance of cultural properties.
① Programs for students
e.g.: World heritage classes (mainly for elementary school students) and educational
lectures for teachers② Lectures and seminars
e.g.: Public lectures, Sunday Talks, the Shōsō-in Academic Symposium, and international symposia③ Cooperation with universities and colleges
e.g.: Campus Members System, internship programs, and joint lectures with Nara Women’s University and Kobe University④ Promotion of volunteer activities※These activities may be changed or cancelled due to COVID-19.

Volunteering: A briefing session forvolunteers■ResearchandSurveyActivities
We consider research into cultural properties to be the most important activity supporting
the foundations of the Nara National Museum as a research institution. Research findings
play a part in our exhibition activities and are also reflected in the museum's masterpiece
exhibitions and special exhibitions. Reference materials collected through research areavailable to the public at the Buddhist Art Library. In fiscal year 2021, the Nara National
Museum will conduct the following thematic research:① Research on collection items, items on loan to the museum, and related items② Research on Buddhist paintings alongside the creation of reproductions③ Fundamental research on ancient and medieval Buddhist scriptures and sutra-copying④ Comprehensive survey of Buddhist arts and crafts and ancient arts and crafts⑤ Research on artifacts excavated from ancient tombs⑥ Research on the art of sculpture in ancient and medieval Nara
⑦ Research on Buddhist art using optical technologies, conducted in collaboration with
the Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties⑧ Research to accompany special exhibitions, etc.
⑨ Research to contribute to educational programs in history and traditional culture⑩ Research into the effects on cultural properties of storage area environments, exhibition spaces and display cases⑪ Research on collections from the perspective of cultural asset restoration⑫ Research on collections from the perspective of conservation science

Sunday Talk

Collaboration with Nara University of
Education － Workshop video: “Let’s make ahand drum with paper cups!’

Research in progress

BriefHistory

1889: Established as the Imperial Museum of Nara under
the supervision of the Imperial Household Ministry
1895: First exhibition held (April 29)
1900: Renamed as the Imperial Household Museum of Nara
1914: Establishment of the Shōsō-in Department
1947: Supervision transferred to the Ministry of Education
1950: Affiliated with the National Commission for the Protection of Cultural Properties
1952: Renamed as the Nara National Museum
1968: Affiliated with the Agency for Cultural Affairs
1973: Opening of the West Wing
1980: Establishment of the Buddhist Art Library
1995: Celebration of the museum’s centennial anniversary
1998: Opening of the East Wing
2001: Becomes the Independent Administrative Institution
National Museum, Nara National Museum
2002: Opening of the Conservation Center for Cultural Properties; main building’s repository reopened as the
Ritual Bronzes Gallery
2007: Integrated into the Independent Administrative Institution National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, as the
Nara National Museum
2010: The main building renamed as the Nara Buddhist
Sculpture Hall
2016: Nara Buddhist Sculpture Hall reopened after restoration (April 29)

Facilities

（m2）

Land Area

78,760

Buildings

Building Area

6,786

Exhibition Buildings

Gross Floor Area

19,133

Exhibition Area Total 4,079
Repository Area Total 1,806

Nara Buddhist Sculpture
Hall

Building Area
Exhibition Area

1,512
1,261

Gross Floor Area

1,512

Ritual Bronzes Gallery

Building Area
Exhibition Area

341
470

Gross Floor Area

664

East Wing

Building Area
Exhibition Area

1,825
875

Gross Floor Area
Repository Area

6,389
1,642

West Wing

Building Area
Exhibition Area

1,649
1,473

Gross Floor Area

5,396

Buddhist Art Library

Building Area

735

Gross Floor Area

735

Conservation Center for
Cultural Properties

Building Area

319

Gross Floor Area

1,036

Gross Floor Area
Repository Area

2,152
164

Gross Floor Area

1,249

Lower Level
Passageway
OthersBuilding Area

405

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2021

17

KYUSHU NATIONAL MUSEUM
Kyushu National Museum collects, preserves, manages and displays cultural properties, while also conducting research and providing educational programs. The focus ison cultural properties related to Japan’s cultural exchanges with other Asian regions.
Kyushu National Museum (Kyuhaku) opened its doors in 2005 based on the concept of “understanding
the formation of Japanese culture through the perspective of exchanges with Asia”. So far, the museum
has welcomed more than 17 million visitors thanks to the warm support of the local population and manyother people.
In FY2020, the world has undergone a lot of upheaval due the unprecedented COVID-19 situation.
Our museum has also had to close at times and cancel exhibitions. During this time, we have tried tofind new ways to bring cultural properties close to people in the comfort of their own homes by steppingup the transmission of information over the internet, for example. At the same time, though, we remaincommitted to our core mission of protecting the valuable cultural heritage passed down by our ancestors
and conveying the charm of this heritage to a wider audience. From here on too, we will aim to be afriendly, safe and enjoyable museum for everyone as we strive to achieve the goal of being “more fun thana classroom and easier to understand than a textbook.”

SHIMATANI Hiroyuki
Executive Director
Kyushu National Museum(President of the National
Institutes for Cultural Heritage)■Exhibitions●Cultural Exchange Exhibition（Permanent Exhibition）

In order to provide our visitors with opportunities to experience new works each time they visit, Feature Exhibitions
are held in the Cultural Exchange Exhibition Gallery. We also strive to create more dynamic and in-depth exhibitions
through the use of videos and hands-on displays.

●Feature Exhibitions

The feature exhibitions scheduled for FY2021 are as follows:
・The Colorful World of Ancient Glass An Okayama Orient Museum Collection Showcase (July 6-October 3, 2021)
・Ming Expression in Edo Temples [working title] Commemorating the 350th Death Anniversary of Buddhist Sculptor
Fan Daosheng (July 17-October 10, 2021)
・Tewaza Legacy of the Ryukyu Kingdom (October 19-December 12, 2021)
・Hatsune Maki-e Lacquer Trousseau National Treasure from the Tokugawa Art Museum (January 1-30, 2022)

Feature Exhibition, Tales of Tenjin(February 2-March 28, 2021)●Special Exhibitions＊The exhibition dates are subject to change.
We plan and hold special exhibitions that beginners can fully enjoy and connoisseurs will enjoy even more. The special
exhibitions scheduled for FY2021 are as follows.
・The Reproduction of Shosoin Treasures Encountering Tenpyo Craftsmanship through the Recreation of 8th Century
Works (April 20-June 13, 2021)
・Aesthetic Connections Art from the Japanese Imperial Collection (July 20-August 29, 2021)
・In the Embrace of the Mountains and Seas Nature in the Japanese Imagination (October 9-December 5, 2021)
・Commemorating the 1200th Anniversary of Saichō’s Death Buddhist Art of the Tendai School (February 8-March
21, 2022)■Collection, Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Properties●Collection
Feature Exhibition, Yamato: The
Cradle of Japanese Civilization(July 28-December 20, 2020)

The Museum puts an emphasis on collecting cultural heritage such as fine art, decorative art, archeologicalmaterials, historical documents and folk materials that help visitors more easily understand the cultural exchanges
between Japan and the rest of Asia as well as the origins of Japanese culture. Moreover, in an effort to further
improve displays and exhibitions, we proactively invite temples, shrines and private individuals to donate or entrust
their cultural properties to us.

●Preservation

The “storage rooms” of the Museum are where important cultural properties are preserved and stored. They feature
a double-walled structure, designed to prevent external air from outside the Museum from directly reaching thecultural properties, and are located in the heart of the building to minimize changes in temperature and humidity. The
air conditioning facilities also utilize a constant temperature humidistat, which allows the temperature and humidityof the storage area to be constantly maintained at more or less the same level. Additionally, the walls and ceiling ofeach storage room are made from materials procured from local suppliers in Kyushu, such as cedar, to help ensure
an appropriate humidity level without overly depending on air conditioning devices. The Museum was constructed
as a seismically isolated structure, to prevent cultural properties from damage caused by toppling over during
earthquakes, for example. The building does not receive a direct impact in the event of an earthquake, and this helps
protect the priceless cultural properties located inside.
Special Exhibition, Manifestationsof Mercy Treasures from the
Chūgūji Temple (January 26-March
21, 2021)

18●Restoration

The six conservation and restoration facilities at the Museum（respectively specializing in: the production of paper andother materials used for repair; historical materials, calligraphy and documents; paintings; sculptures; archaeologicalartifacts; and lacquerware）work in collaboration with the Museum’s Science Division, combining traditional methods
with scientific research technology. The staff, well experienced in the restoration of Japan’s designated culturalproperties, conduct projects actively through discussions with curators from fields such as history, art, decorative
arts, archaeology and other related areas. The latest technological equipment such as fluorescent X-ray analyzing
devices and X-ray CT scanners are also being actively utilized in the scientific analysis of cultural properties to berestored.

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2021

■Educational and Exchange Activities●Educational Activities① Interactive Exhibition Gallery “Ajippa” showcases the various cultures of regions that had historicallyinteracted with Japan. Other efforts include areas such as educational kits development, visitor experience
programs, and collaborative programs with other educational institutions.
② Educational programs in association with special exhibitions and the Cultural Exchange Exhibition (permanent
exhibition)
・Programs to improve exhibition understanding
・Posting videos on YouTube that introduce exhibits
・Distributing videos of workshops, etc. under the “Kyohaku at Home” program
・Conducting of workshops
・Production of guidebooks③ “Kyupack” - educational kits to be used in secondary schools④ Operation of the Kyuhaku-go mobile museum⑤ Campus Members System to strengthen ties with universities and other higher educational institutions⑥ Educational activities based on “Kyushu National Museum’s Picture Books” for children⑦ Supporting volunteer activities
We support various volunteer activities, including guided tours and “behind the scenes” tours, initiatives toimprove the museum environment, and workshop events.

“Kyupack”- educational kits to be
used in secondary schools●Exchange Activities①Implementing exchange projects in cooperation with local enterprises for more effective utilization of museum facilities.
②Promoting exchange among Asian museums
Conclusion of cultural exchange agreements with the Buyeo National Museum (Korea), the Gonguju National Museum (Korea), The Korea National
University of Cultural Heritage, the Nanjing Museum (China), the Museum of Inner Mongolia (China), Chinese Center for Cultural Exchange, Sichuan
Museum (Chengdu, China), Shenyang Imperial Palace Museum (China), the Shanghai Museum, the Vietnam National Museum of History, and the Fine
Arts Department of the Ministry of Culture (Thailand)③Hosting international symposia and lecture events※These activities may be changed or cancelled due to COVID-19.

■Research and Survey Activities
The results of research concerning our main theme of “Cultural Exchange between Japan and AsianCountries” and scientific research on conservation and restoration of cultural properties are actively utilized
for our collection, preservation and exhibition activities. Part of our research is financially supported by thegovernment-funded Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research（KAKENHI）and other private grants for culturalactivities.
・Research on using X-ray computed tomography (CT) scanning to analyze the structure of culture
heritage artifacts
・Research on improving and expanding the system for safeguarding underwater archeological sites.
・Research on educational outreach programs aimed at enhancing museum visitors’ understanding throughthe use of explanatory panels, booklets, workshops, etc. tailored to exhibition themes
・Research on the conservation and restoration of Japanese and Asian cultural heritage in museums
・Research on the continued use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in museum crisis management

Workshop: “The ‘KURUKURU SILK’
Hands-on Classroom”■Publications
The museum produces publications to promote a wider understanding of our activitiesi） Tofu-seisei（Research Bulletin）: This bulletin summarizes the results of the Museum’s investigative research efforts（published annually）
ii） Asiage（Quarterly magazine）: An information magazine focusing on the Cultural Exchange Exhibition and special exhibitions（released quarterly)iii）Picture Book Series: The Museum produces original picture books for children about Japanese history to encourage understanding and familiarity.

Brief History

1994: The Agency for Cultural affairs（ACA）organized the “committee to investigate the establishment of a new concept-based museum (the Committee)”.
1996: ACA decided the new museum should be established as the Kyushu National Museum（provisional title）in Dazaifu, Fukuoka.
1997: The Committee drew up the “basic framework for Kyushu National Museum（provisional title）”.
1999: The Committee made the “basic plan for Kyushu National Museum（provisional title）”.
2000: ACA, Fukuoka Prefecture, and the Kyushu National Museum Promotion
Foundation（the Foundation）jointly formulated the “basic construction
design” for the Museum.
The ACA and Fukuoka Prefecture jointly organized “experts conference
for the establishment of Kyushu National Museum (provisional title)” developed the “permanent exhibition plan”.
2001: ACA, Fukuoka Prefecture and the Foundation jointly completed the “basic
exhibition design”.
The Independent Administrative Institution National Museum (the National Museum) established the “preparatory office for the establishmentof the Kyushu National Museum”.
2002: ACA, Fukuoka Prefecture and the Foundation jointly launched the “construction works (the first year of a three-year plan)”.
2003: The National Museum and Fukuoka Prefecture launched the “preparationof the exhibitions (the first year of a two-year plan”.
2004: ACA, Fukuoka Prefecture and the Foundation completed the “construction
works”.

ACA, the National Museum and Fukuoka Prefecture officially named theMuseum as “Kyushu National Museum”.
2005: The National Museum and Fukuoka Prefecture completed the “preparationof the exhibitions”.
The National Museum formally established the Kyushu National Museum.
Kyushu National Museum opened to the public on 16 October.
2007: The Kyushu National Museum was merged into the IAI National Institutes
for Cultural Heritage（NICH）.
2008: Japan-China-ROK Trilateral Summit Meeting was held at the Kyushu National Museum.
2012: Kyushu National Museum welcomed its 10 millionth visitor.
2015: 10th anniversary

Facilities（m2）

Land Area

159,844

Building

Building Area
NICH

Exhibition andExhibition Area Total
Repository Area Prefecture
Repository Area Total
Prefecture

14,623
9,300
5,444
1,375
4,518
1,335

Gross Floor Area
Prefecture
Shared Area

30,675
5,780
15,595NICH 3,844
Shared Area 225
NICH 2,744
Shared Area 439

The land and buildings are co-owned by Fukuoka Prefecture and the institution.

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2021

19

TOKYO NATIONAL RESEARCHINSTITUTE FOR CULTURAL PROPERTIESSAITO Takamasa
Director General
Tokyo National
Reseach Institute forCultural Properties

The Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties supports the work of the government in
the administration of cultural properties by conducting various research, from basic and systematic
to practical and advanced, into all kinds of cultural properties, both tangible and intangible. The
Institute actively disseminates the results of this research both domestically and internationally. It
also provides guidance and advice to regional public bodies and other stakeholders concerning thepreservation of cultural properties. Furthermore, it pursues international cooperation projects related
to the conservation of cultural heritage in Asia and other regions of the world, including international
research initiatives, human resource development, and the transfer of conservation and restoration
technologies.
The Institute’s survey and research work currently focuses on several priority areas. Firstly, theInstitute is working to develop an archive of research results and basic data, etc. accumulated by
the Institute over the years. Also, as a part of the Independent Administrative Institution, National
Institute for Cultural Heritage, the Institute aims to play an integral role in the area of conservationand preservation through research on the conservation, preservation and publication of museum
materials. Furthermore, the Institute collects basic data and prepares visual records of intangible
cultural properties from across Japan, with a focus on festivals and performing arts like Noh, forexample, with this material then made available to the public.
In addition, the Institute houses the secretariat of the Japan Consortium for International
Cooperation in Cultural Heritage, an organization that plays a central role in ensuring Japan makes acoordinated and effective contribution to the conservation of cultural heritage overseas.
The Institute also operates as the East Japan headquarters of the Cultural Heritage Disaster
Risk Management Center.

■Organization●Department of Art Research, Archives and Information Systems
The Department of Art Research, Archives and Information Systems collects, preserves,
collates and publicizes information relating to cultural properties, and also undertakes researchon the development of effective methods for the transmission of information, with the aim of
expanding the scope of cultural property archives. At the same time, the Department also
engages in issues of contemporary relevance when it comes to the study of cultural properties
and art history research, for example. The Department also takes the results obtained in these
activities as the basis for managing the information systems and public relations activities of
the Institute as a whole.

Researching and photographing “Arhat” (Komyoji
Temple, Tokyo)●Department of Intangible Cultural Heritage
The Department of Intangible Cultural Heritage conducts basic research useful for theconservation and transmission of intangible cultural heritage, focusing in particular on Japan’s
intangible cultural heritage, which includes intangible cultural properties, intangible folk-culturalproperties, and techniques for preserving cultural properties. Audiovisual documentation, asignificant method for the conservation of intangible cultural heritage, is conducted and new
methods of documentation are also investigated.
An on-the-ground survey of the Fukuda Juni Kagura
dance (Shinchi Town, Fukushima Prefecture)●Center for Conservation Science
The Center for Conservation Science implements surveys of cultural property materials,
construction and techniques, and collects information that contributes to a more in-depth
understanding of cultural properties. In addition, it conducts research into the improvement of
restoration materials and techniques and into maintenance management methods. The Center
also implements activities relating to the adoption of new survey techniques. Moreover, theCenter works closely with those who are actually engaged in the conservation and restorationof cultural properties and their owners.

A survey of gases released by deoxidizing agents●Japan Center for International Cooperation in Conservation
The Japan Center for International Cooperation in Conservation renders assistance to various
countries in Asia and other regions of the world through the conservation and restoration
projects of cultural heritage including technical transfer and human resource development.
It also promotes the cooperative networks with other relevant institutions, domestic andinternational, by organizing seminars and meetings. Collection and dissemination of information
on cultural heritage and its protection systems is another important task of the Center.
The Center is commissioned to manage the secretariat for the Japan Consortium forInternational Cooperation in Cultural Heritage.

20

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2021

Mural conservation training for local professionals(Myanmar)■Seminar, Advice, and Guidance
The Institute conducts various training seminars and provides professional advice as well as technical guidance for the protection and utilizationof cultural properties. These include the International Course on Conservation of Japanese Paper, annual training for museum curators in charge ofconservation, advice on safeguarding intangible cultural properties, inspection assistance and advice on the museum environments, and investigation
and advice concerning the conservation of cultural properties.

International Course on Conservationof Japanese Paper

Training for museum curators■Graduate School Education and Public Lectures
The Institute provides the results of its research to the public aiming at nurturing the next generation ofexperts and raising public interest. The Institute has collaborated with the Tokyo University of the Arts since1995 and is in charge of its Preventive Conservation Course. In the public lectures, the Department of Art
Research, Archives and Information Systems, and the Department of Intangible Cultural Heritage present theirresearch achievements every year.

■Dissemination of Research Information
The 14th Tokyo National ResearchInstitute for Cultural Properties
Department of Intangible Cultural
Heritage’s Public Lecture: JapaneseTraditional Wind Instruments andTheir Materials

The Institute actively communicates and publicizes the results of its different
activities including research studies and international cooperation projects
through academic conferences, workshops and symposiums, for example. It also
updates its website regularly and it releases publications such as its ‘Annual
Report,’ its ‘Outline,’ and ‘Tobunken News.’(Left: KOKETSU Takuya (R y ūtek itransverse bamboo flute); Right:
YATSUKI Junko (Shō free-reed mouthorgan))TOBUNKEN Resear ch
Collections（https://www.
tobunken.go.jp/archives/）■Publications
The Institute publishes periodicals such as The Bijutsu Kenkyu (The Journal of Art Studies), Yearbook of Japanese Art, Research and Reports on Intangible Cultural Heritage, and Science for Conservation. It also publicizes the research and study results through the publication of academic reports
and other means.

The Bijutsu Kenkyu(Journal of Art Studies)

BriefHistory

Yearbook of Japanese Art

1930: Established as the institute of Art Research. an auxiliary organization of the Imperial
Academy of Fine Arts
1947: Affiliated with the National Museum
1950: Affiliated with the National Commission for Protection of Cultural Properties
1952: Reorganized and renamed as Tokyo Research Institute of Cultural Properties
1954: Renamed as Tokyo National Research Institute of Cultural Properties
1968: Affiliated with the Agency for Cultural Affairs
2000: Construction of new offices
2001: Restructured as the Independent Administrative Institution, National Research Institute for Cultural Properties Tokyo
2007: Integrated into the Independent Administrative Institution, National Institutes for
Cultural Heritage, as Tokyo National Research Institute for Cutural Properties

Research and Reports
on Intangible Cultural
Heritage

Science for Conservation

Facilities

（m2）

Land Area
Building

4,181

Building Area
Gross Floor Area

2,258
10,516

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2021

21

NARA NATIONAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE
FOR CULTURAL PROPERTIESMOTONAKA Makoto
Director General
Nara National ResearchInstitute for Cultural
Properties

As an institution engaged in the comprehensive research of tangible cultural properties, Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties researches cultural heritage (such as historicalmaterials and buildings) and conducts excavations, primarily at the Nara and Fujiwara Palace sites.
We exhibit and publish the results of this research, for example, and we also carry out research andexhibition programs with the aim of preserving Asuka culture. The Institute also strives to gather
and publicize data on archaeological sites through the ‘Comprehensive Database of ArchaeologicalSite Reports in Japan.’All these activities make a significant contribution to cultural heritage research, both nationally and internationally, and they have resulted in academic exchanges with China, South Korea andother countries across Asia. Furthermore, the Institute endeavors to develop new research technologies and methods to conserve, restore and maintain historical sites. We then provide guidance andtraining to local government specialists, for example, with these technologies and methods alsoutilized to protect historical sites across the world.
From here on, we hope to make further contributions to the conservation and utilization of cultural properties by pursuing interdisciplinary joint research in other fields too.

●Department of Planning and Coordination
The work of the Department of Planning and Coordination is assigned to five sections: the Planning and Coordination Section, the Data and Information Section, the International Cooperation
Section, the Exhibition Section, and the Photography Section. These sections plan and organize
professional training programs for cultural heritage workers at local government agencies andother organizations, organize data systems and enhance related databases, promote multilingualization in the sections, arrange international joint research projects and engage in international
cooperation on archaeological sites, exhibit research results at the Nara Palace Site Museum, andcarry out photography and the development of new technology.

Online gallery talks●Department of Cultural Heritage
The Department of Cultural Heritage consists of the Historical Document Section, the Architectural History Section, the Cultural Landscape Section and the Sites Management Research Section.
These sections conduct specialist and comprehensive research in the following areas respectively:
calligraphy, ancient books and historical documents; historical and traditional architecture; culturallandscapes; and the maintenance of archaeological sites and historical gardens. The research
activities conducted by each section contribute, in a practical manner, to governmental activities
concerning the protection of cultural properties, such as the designation, selection, registration,conservation and management of properties. The Department also collaborates with, and provides
advice for, local public entities in regard to cultural property administration.
Surveying Hokkeji Temple's garden●Department of Imperial Palace Sites Investigations
The Department of Imperial Palace Sites Investigations is organized into five sections: Archaeology Section 1, Archaeology Section 2, Archaeology Section 3, the History Section, and the Architectural Features Section. These conduct interdisciplinary research based on excavational investigations of ancient palaces, temples and tombs located in the Heijo, Asuka and Fujiwara areas. The
research results are publicized through presentations, reports and exhibitions; this research also
contributes to the preservation and effective utilization of these archeological remains.
【Department of Imperial Palace Sites Investigations（Heijo）】
This Department is in charge of excavation and research at the Nara Palace Site (Special HistoricSite), where the imperial palace and government offices were located in the Nara period（710-784）.
Systematic research has been in progress since 1959 and over one-third of the 130 hectare site
has been excavated and surveyed so far. Finds at the sites of the palace and ancient temples (suchas architectural remains, wooden tablets used for writing, earthernware vessels and ceramic tiles)
have been verified with reference to historical records, with the Department's empirical research on
the Nara period winning widespread plaudits. The Department also provides the results of its research on the Nara Palace Site to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism（MLIT）
as basic data to support the maintenance of the national Nara Palace Site Historical Park.

E xcavating the E astern Gov ernment
Sector, Nara Palace Site

【Department of Imperial Palace Sites Investigations（Asuka and Fujiwara）】
The Department is in charge of excavation and research in the Asuka and Fujiwara area, Japan’s
political, economic and cultural center during the period between the 7th and early 8th centuries
when the Japanese state was coming into being. The sites in the Asuka district include palaces
and residences of elite clans, the sites of temples such as Asukadera (the oldest Buddhist temple
in Japan), a workshop that produced ancient coins and glass, a water clock, and various tombs. To
the north lies the site of the Fujiwara capital, the first large-scale planned city in Japan, covering avast area of more than five square kilometers. The interdisciplinary, empirical research being conducted based on the excavations of these sites in the Asuka and Fujiwara areas has made a major
contribution towards helping to clarify the historical record of the Asuka period.

22

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2021

Excavating the Imperial Audience Hall,
Fujiwara Palace Site

●Center for Archaeological Operations
The Center for Archaeological Operations consists of four research sections, which undertakepractical research relating to the survey, research and conservation of cultural heritage, as well as
providing training activities based on the Center’s research results, etc. The Conservation Science
Section undertakes a wide range of research, from fundamental research to practical research,
relating to surveys and analysis of the materials and structures of archaeological objects and thein-situ display of archaeological remains, etc. The Environmental Archaeology Section undertakes
research relating to the simulation of ancient environments and how animals and plants were usedin the past, etc., through surveys of and research on the remains of flora and fauna. The Dendrochronological Dating Section uses the methods of dendrochronology to advance applied researchon techniques for determining the age and origin of wooden cultural heritage items, and for determining how they were made, etc. The Archaeological Research Methodology Section develops surveying and measurement techniques, with a particular focus on the surveying and measurement ofarchaeological data, with the aim of furthering the development and effective utilization of methods
for researching cultural heritage and archaeology. This Section also undertakes disaster archaeology surveys and research.

Photogrammetric measurements of the
Tsukahara Burial Mounds, Kumamoto City

●Asuka Historical Museum
The Asuka Historical Museum, a facility that showcases the history and culture of the Asuka Period, was established in 1975 following a decision made by the Japanese Cabinet. Besides theMuseum’s regular exhibitions, which have thematic displays relating to palaces, stone structures,
tombs and temple sites, etc., visitors can also see the reconstructed portion of the eastern cloister of Yamada-dera Temple and objects excavated in and around this site. The Museum holds Special Exhibitions and Feature Exhibitions, with displays focused on the history and cultural heritageof the Asuka Period, displays that present the results of the wide-ranging research undertaken by
the Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties in an easy-to-understand way, and displays featuring photographs of cultural heritage items, etc. The Museum also hosts lectures andparticipatory activities, etc.
●International Academic Exchange
The Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties contributes to international exchange
and collaboration through activities such as joint research, expert exchange, conservation
and restoration, support and training using its expertise and technology, and the Networking
Core Centers for International Cooperation on the Conservation of Cultural Heritage projectcommissioned by the Agency for Cultural Affairs. Furthermore, it also participates in international
contribution projects related to cultural properties and conducted by other institutions such as
ACCU (Asia-Pacific Cultural Centre for UNESCO).
The Institute’s main projects include: (1) joint research with the Chinese Academy of Social
Sciences involving comparison of ancient capital sites; (2) joint research with the Henan Provincial
Institute of Cultural Heritage and Archaeology, China into artifacts, etc. excavated from kiln sites;(3) joint research with the Liaoning Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology, China,
into artifacts belonging to the culture of the Former, Later, and Northern Yan; (4) joint researchwith the National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage, Korea, into the formation and processesof development of ancient Japanese and Korean culture , as well as exchanges of personnel
on excavation sites; (5) research, conservation, and restoration, undertaken with Cambodia’s
Authority for the Protection and Management of Angkor and the Region of Siem Reap (APSARA),at the Western Prasat Top site, as well as a human resource development project; (6) international
dissemination of Japanese archaeology through online resources and publications, in collaboration
with the Sainsbury Institute for the Study of Japanese Arts and Cultures in the U.K. We are also
working on technology transfer and human resource development for the National Museum of the
Republic of Kazakhstan through a Networking Core Centers for International Cooperation on theConservation of Cultural Heritage project commissioned by the Agency for Cultural Affairs.

Exhibiting the remains of Yamadadera Temple's
east corridor

Online training as part of the "Knowledge
Transfer on the Methodology and Practice ofInvestigation, Recording and Conservation ofArchaeological Remains" program●Publications
Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties publishes periodicals such as Overview of Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, BULLETIN Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, NABUNKEN NEWS, CAO NEWS Centre for Archaeological Operations, and
NABUNKEN RONSO. It also publishes the results of various additional research studies.

Brief History

1952: Nara Cultural Properties Research Institute（consistingof the General Affairs Division, the Historical Research
Division, the Architecture Research Division, and the Art
Research Division）is established at 50 Kasugano-cho,Nara City, as an auxiliany organization of the National
Commission for the Protection of Cultural Properties
1954: Renamed as the Nara National Cultural Palace Site in
Sakihigashi-machi, Nara City
1960: The office of the Heijo Palace Site Investigations opened in
the former Nara Place Site in Sakihigashi-machi, Nara City
1963: Heijo Palace Site Investigation Division is established
1968: Affillated with the Agency for Culthural Affairs（established1968）
1970: Nara Palace Site Museum opened
1973: Finance Section, Asuka/Fujiwara Palace Site Investigation
Division, and Asuka Historical Museum established
1974: Department of General Affairs and the Center for
Archaeological Operations established
1975: Asuka Historical Museum opened at Okuyama in Asuka
Village, Nara
1980: Art Research Division transferred to the Research Center
for Buddhist Art, Nara National Museum
1980: Relocated to 2-9-1 Nijo-cho, Nara City. Heijo Palace Site
Investigation Division and the Center for Archaeclogicaloperations are transferred together to the new site.
1988: New headquarters building of Asuka/Fujiwara Palace
Site Investigation Division built at 94-1 Kinomoto-cho,Kashihara City
2001: Restructured as the Independent Administrative Institution
National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, Nara
2007: Integrated into the Independent Administrative Institution
National Institute for Cultural Heritage, as the Nara
National Research Institute for Cultural Properties.
2013: Relocated to temporary premises Iocated at 247-1 Sakicho, Nara City, while the original head office site is being
redeveloped.
2018: Following the completion of renovation work on the Institute’s headquarters building, the Institute was relocatedfrom temporary premises back to the renovated headquarters building

Facilities（m2）
Land Area

Headquarters Area

Building
Building Area
8,879 Gross Floor Area

2,812
11,387

Located on government-owned Building Arealand, rent fees waivered Gross Floor Area

10,631
16,150Fujiwara Area

Building Area
20,515 Gross Floor Area

6,016
9,477

Asuka Area

Building Area
17,093 Gross Floor Area

2,657
4,404

Heijo Area

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2021

23

INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH CENTRE
FOR INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE
IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION (IRCI)IWAMOTO Wataru
Director-General
International ResearchCentre for Intangible
Cultural Heritage in the
Asia-Pacific Region

At the 35th Session of UNESCO General Conference of October 2009, approval was given
to Japan to establish an international research centre for intangible cultural heritage in the
Asia-Pacific region. After this approval, the Japanese government concluded an agreementwith UNESCO in August 2010, and established the International Research Centre for
Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region (IRCI) in Sakai City in October
2011, as a Category 2 Centre under the auspices of UNESCO (institutions that serve tocontribute to the achievement of UNESCO’s strategic objectives).
IRCI’s objectives are to promote the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of theIntangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) and its implementation, and to enhance the safeguardingof ICH through instigating and coordinating research in the Asia-Pacific region. Today,
many elements of ICH are endangered all over the world due to various factors. The
safeguarding of ICH is now undeniably an urgent issue. IRCI collaborates with universities
and research institutions in Japan and the Asia-Pacific region to promote research on thepractices and methodologies of ICH safeguarding.

■Activity Plan for FY 2021
IRCI promotes research as an international research hub for ICH safeguarding in the Asia-Pacific region
while contributing to its enhancement using Japan’s long-term experience in cultural
heritage management. Its activities focus on:
１． Promoting Research for ICH Safeguarding
２． Conducting Research on Endangered ICH
３． Cooperating with Sakai City to Promote ICH
In FY2021, IRCI will conduct the following projects.

●Promoting Research for ICH Safeguarding
１． Research Data Collection
In the previous project, IRCI collected research data, predominantly in consultation with individual researchers. In FY2019-2021, by utilising
the experience, IRCI has been systematically and sustainably collecting information on the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of ICH
and related research. To this end, it has established a collaboration mechanism in cooperation with designated research institutions in the
Asia-Pacific region. The collected data from counterparts are gathered by IRCI and added to the IRCI's research database (https://www.irci.
jp/ichdb/). Then, they are made public. The database comprises approximately 2,500 pieces of information collected from 43 countries in the
Asia-Pacific region as of March 2021.
2． Research on ICH’s Contribution to Sustainable Development – Education andCommunity Development
IRCI launched a two-year project to investigate ICH’s contribution to SDG4 (quality
education) and SDG11 (sustainable cities and communities) in FY2020. In
FY2020, IRCI implemented case studies in cooperation with three non-governmentalorganisations (NGOs) from Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Kyrgyz. In FY2021, the casestudies conducted in FY2020 will be analysed and verified through further case studies
with these NGOs.
３． Researchers Forum
IRCI has organised the Researchers Forum every other year since FY2017. To
commemorate the 10th anniversary of its establishment, IRCI will organise the third

Assembling the yurt by the residents in Kyrgyz

forum. This forum will also reflect on IRCI's research projects over the past ten years
and IRCI will utilise them for its future orientation. An academic symposium consistingof presentations and panel discussions will be held. Speakers will be selected among researchers from IRCI partner institutions, researchers in
the field of ICH, who have collaborated in past programmes.

24

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2021

●Conducting Research on Endangered ICH
Research on ICH Safeguarding and Disaster Risk Management
Asia-Pacific countries are frequently exposed to various natural hazards, including earthquakes, tsunamis, cyclones, floods, and volcanic
eruptions, all of which having a severe impact on society. Given such circumstances, IRCI implemented a preliminary research and organised
an international workshop to discuss the roles of ICH in disaster preparedness, disaster mitigation, and disaster resilience. As a new projectin FY2020-2022, the current state of research on ICH and DRM since 2018 will be studied. Ultimately, the research aims to categorise thedisasters into types and provide practical recommendations, including models of DRM and ICH safeguarding measures for each category.

●Cooperating with Sakai City for Promoting ICH
IRCI widely disseminates information and a clear visionof ICH to the Japanese people, in addition to providingthem with various opportunities to learn about ICH in
cooperation with Sakai City. These opportunities include
permanent displays of IRCI panels at the Sakai City
Museum.
In FY2021, IRCI will organise a Researchers Forumas a commemorative event of the 10th anniversary of its
establishment (please refer to "3. Researchers Forum" on
the left page). Following the Forum, IRCI will cooperate ina public event on ICH organised by Sakai City to further

Displaying panels at Sakai City Museum

spread public understanding of the 2003 Convention.

●Communications and Publicity
The FY2019 version of the IRCI Brochure, which illustrates the latest research projects with various pictures, was published in English andJapanese. It has been distributed to UNESCO headquarters, local offices, Category 2 Centres, and the National commissions for UNESCO ineach country, as well as to research institutes and universities, both at home and abroad. In addition, IRCI regularly updates its mobile friendly
website and frequently releases new information regarding its research activities and ICH. Further, IRCI published the following publications in
FY2020 to disseminate information and the results of its activities.
1．Guidelines for "ICH's contribution towards SDGs" project for formal education in Vietnam (English)
2．Guidelines for "ICH's contribution towards SDGs" project for non-formal education in the Philippines (Subanen)
3．Project report on "ICH's contribution towards SDGs" project (English) (PDF only)
4．Project report on "Study of Emergency Protection of ICH in Conflict-Affected Countries in Asia" (English) (PDF only)

Guidelines for "ICH's contribution
towards SDGs" project forformal education in Vietnam(English)

Brief History

Guidelines for "ICH's contribution
towards SDGs" project for
non-formal education in thePhilippines (Subanen)

Oct . 2009 : Establishment of IRCI authorized at the UNESCO General Conference
Aug. 2010: Agreement for the establishment of IRCI concluded between theJapanese Government and UNESCO
Mar. 2011: Agreement for the opening of IRCI concluded between Sakai City and
the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage
Apr . 2011: Establishment of the preparatory office for IRCIOct. 2011: Official opening of IRCI
Dec. 2018: Agreement for the continuation of IRCI concluded between theJapanese Government and UNESCO
Mar. 2019: Agreement for the continuation of IRCI concluded between Sakai Cityand the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage

Project report on "ICH's
contribution towards SDGs"
project (English) (PDF only)

Project report on "Study ofEmergency Protection of ICH
in Conflict-Affected Countries
in Asia" (English) (PDF only)

Facilities
Buildings（m2）
Building Area

244.67Gross Floor Area

244.67

Number of Rooms

4※The Building is provided by Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2021

25

Ⅴ Reference Materials
Special Advisory Board（As of April 1, 2021, titles omitted）
We have a board of special advisors, consisting of professionals drawn from outside the institutes, to gather various opinionsfrom many fields concerning the management of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage. The mission of the Board of Special Advisors is to discuss important issues about the management of the Institutes and give advice to the Chairperson of theBoard. The number of board members is set at 20, and each member serves renewable 2-year terms.
IKENOBO Senko: Headmaster Designate of Ikenobo

TANABE Ikuo: Director, Buddhist Art Association

ITO Yoshiaki: President, Aichi Prefectural Ceramic Museum
and Director, Machida City Museum

DAN Fumi: Actress
NISHITAKATSUJI Nobuyoshi: Chairman of the Board, Dazaifu

UEHARA Mahito: Professor Emeritus, Kyoto University
UMEMOTO Kazuyoshi: President, The Japan Foundation
GAMO Atsumi: Commissioner, The Japan Tourism Agency
KARAIKE Koji: Representative Director and Chairman of theBoard, Kyushu Railway Company
KINOSHITA Naoyuki: Director, Shizuoka Prefectural Museumof ArtSATO Teiichi: F o r m e r A m b a s s a d o r E x t r a o r d i n a r y a n dPlenipotentiary to the UNESCO

Tenmangu Shrine
NISHIMURA Yasuhiko: Grand Steward, Imperial Household
AgencyFUJII Joji: Professor Emeritus, Kyoto University
FURUSE Natsuko: Professor Emeritus, Ochanomizu University
HOKOI Shuichi: Professor Emeritus, Kyoto University
YANAGIHARA Masaki: President, Independent Administrative Institution National Museum ofArt

External Evaluation Board（As of April 1, 2021, titles omitted）
Besides implementing self-evaluation of the Institutes’ operational, survey and research performance, The National Institutes for
Cultural Heritage have also established an External Evaluation Board of external experts to verify the Institutes’ assessment of
their own performance.（Renewable 2-year terms）
OGASAWARA Naoshi: President, Avantia GP

TERASAKI Yasuhiro: Professor Emeritus, Nara University

KOJIMA Kaoru: Department of Aesthetics and Art History,
Faculty of Humanities Professor, Jissen

TERADA Yoshitaka: Professor Emeritus, National Museumof Ethnology

Women’s University
KOMATSU Taishu: Director, Eisei-Bunko Museum
KAWAI Masatomo: Professor Emeritus, Faculty of Letters,
Keio University
SAITO Tsutomu: Professor, Research Department, National
Museum of Japanese History
SAKAKIBARA Satoru: Specially Appointed Director, Okazaki
City Museum
SAKAMOTO Hiroko: (Full-Time) Audit & Supervisory Board
Member, The Asahi Shimbun Company
DEGAWA Tetsurou: Director, Museum of Oriental Ceramics、
Osaka

26

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2021

NAGOYA Akira: Former Deputy Director of the Goto Museumof Art
HAMADA Hiroaki: Professor, J. F. Oberlin University
YANAGIBAYASHI Osamu: Advisor to the “Temples & Shrines
Project” by the Yomiuri Shimbun(Former Member of the Editorial
Writer Board, The Yomiuri Shimbun)

BudgetFiscal Year 2021 Budget
Estimated Income（Unit: JPY1,000）

SourceFiscal 202１

Fiscal 2020

Self-generated Income

1,032,072

2,089,818

Government funding for operating expenses

9,051,943

8,633,262

796,129

636,629

0

197,737

Others (Donations, etc.)

798,736

779,858

Total

11,678,880

12,337,304

Income from commissioned projects
Grant for facilities improvement

Estimated Expenditure（Unit: JPY1,000）

PurposeFiscal 2021

Operational expenses

Fiscal 2020
10,084,015

10,723,080

Personnel

3,809,000

3,733,205

Supply costs

6,275,015

6,989,875

796,129

636,629

0

197,737

Others (Donations, etc.)

798,736

779,858

Total

11,678,880

12,337,304

Expenses for commissioned projects
Facility improvement

Income from External Sources
Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research①

Fiscal 2021

Number of
projects
National Institutes
for Cultural Heritage
Secretariat

0②

Amount（Unit：JPY1,000）

Multi-year Fund Fiscal 2021

Number of
projects

Amount（Unit: JPY1,000）

0

0

0

Funding forCommissioned Work
（Fiscal 2020）
Number of
projects

Research Grants（Fiscal 2020）

Amount（Unit: JPY1,000）

1

82,310

Number of
projects

Amount（Unit: JPY1,000）

00Tokyo National Museum

8

23,92029

23,7907

154,4896

93,756

Kyoto National Museum

3

15,860

4

1,105

1

3,595

0

0

Nara National Museum

1

3,120

4

520

0

0

3

9,000

Kyushu National Museum

523,320

6

4,290

2

149

0

0

Tokyo National ResearchInstitute for Cultural
Properties

10

27,70017

13,000

7

107,029

4

2,652

Nara National ResearchInstitute for Cultural
Properties

25

129,727

39

43,03029

255,87312

10,853

International ResearchCentre for Intangible
Cultural Heritage in the
Asia-Pacific Region

0

0

0

0

2

29,1090052

223,647

99

85,735

49

632,55325

116,260

Total※The amount of ① is the appropriation amount as of April, 2020.
※In the case of projects that extend over multiple fiscal years, the amount given under ② shows the amount allocated to that year when the decision to provide
the grant was first made.
※Please note that the figures given include indirect expenses.
※Funding for commissioned work excludes commissions from the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage.

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2021

27

Ⅵ Information about Donation and Membership○Financial Donations and Cultural Property Donations【Financial Donations】

Independent Administrative Institutions are mainly administered through national grants for operational costs and facilities improvement.
However, difficult financial conditions and the streamlining of operations makes it necessary to receive outside funds as well. The National
Institutes for Cultural Heritage is no exception and we also need to secure other funding sources besides income from admission fees. For
these reasons, we welcome financial support from a wide range of organizations and individuals.
The National Institutes for Cultural Heritage has been designated by the National Tax Agency as a Special Public-Interest Promotion
Corporation. This means that donations to our institutions（by organizations or individuals）are eligible for more generous income and corporate
tax deductions than donations to regular private entities.

▲

Income tax

Individuals who donate to a Special Public-Interest Promotion Corporation are eligible for a partial income tax deduction through the “Donation
Deduction” system.
As a result, a donor will be able to deduct a donation amount of up to 40% of total income（minus 2,000 yen）when calculating incometax.
*Please note that tax deductions for donations may also be available with respect to individual Resident Tax, depending on the regulations
adopted by the local authority for the area where the individual taxpayer is officially resident.

▲

Corporate tax

When donating to a Special Public-Interest Promotion Corporation, corporate entities can count the donation amount as a deductible expense
separate from other general donations. As a result, the maximum amount of donations that can be counted as special deductible expenses =（amount of capital × 0.375（formerly 0.25）+ 6.25% of income（formerly 5%））× 1/2 (ｗhere the business year covers a period of less than
one full calendar year, the calculation must be performed on a pro-rata basis according to a specified number of months. Also, please note thatthe calculation formula is different in the case of corporations that do not have capital stock (such as NPOs)).

【Cultural Property Donations】

The National Institutes for Cultural Heritage is engaged in the preservation, management, research and display of cultural properties. In
addition to purchasing these cultural properties systematically, we also accept donations from individuals or organizations.

For further information about donations, please contact the following departments:

Institution

Financial Donations

Cultural Property Donations

Phone Numbers

Tokyo National Museum

Accounting, Administration
Department

Collections Management,
Curatorial Research Department

03-3822-1111

Kyoto National Museum

Department of Finance

Department of Registration andImage Services

075-541-1151

Nara National Museum

Accounts

Curatorial Division, Planning
Section0742-22-7772
0742-22-7774

Kyushu National Museum

Financial Affairs, General Affairs
Division

Collection Registration, Cultural
Properties Division092-918-2807

Tokyo National ResearchInstitute for Cultural
Properties

Department of Research Support and Promotion, Planning Section

03-3823-2249

Nara National ResearchInstitute for Cultural
Properties

Department of Research Support and Promotion, Administration Division0742-30-3916

General Affairs Section

072-275-8050

International ResearchCentre for Intangible Cultural
Heritage in the Asia-PacificRegion (IRCI)The “National Institutes for Cultural Heritage Donation Portal Site” has opened.
The “National Institutes for Cultural Heritage Donation Portal Site” introduces the donation and membership systems for our National
Museums and National Research Institute for Cultural Properties

28

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2021

○MembershipTokyo National Museum, Nara National Museum and Kyushu National Museum are supported by the Supporting Member System,
while Kyoto National Museum is supported by the Seifukai Association.
To encourage people to visit our museums more frequently, Tokyo National Museum, Kyoto National Museum, Nara National
Museum and Kyushu National Museum have all established their own membership systems. In addition, to mark the 10th
anniversary of the establishment of the National Institutions for Cultural Heritage, a new “National Museums Members Pass”
system was established in 2017, which applies to all four National Museums.
We welcome new members at any time of the year.
Tokyo National Museum

Kyoto National Museum

Name
AnnualMembership
Fee

Nara National Museum

Kyushu National Museum

National Museums Members Pass
Regular2,500 Yen (tax included)

Student

1,200 Yen (tax included)

Permanent
Exhibitions

Tokyo National Museum: Regular Exhibitions
Kyoto National Museum: Collection Galleries
Nara National Museum: Exhibition from the Permanent Collection
Kyushu National Museum: Cultural Exchange Exhibition• On showing your Members Pass, you can view any of these permanent collection
exhibitions an unlimited number of times (this applies only to the person in whosename the Members Pass is registered)

OthersSpecial Exhibitions at Kyoto National Museum, Nara National Museum and Kyushu
National Museum can be viewed an unlimited number of times at the group ticket price(only when group discounts are available)• On showing your Members Pass at a National Museum ticket oﬃce, you can purchasea special exhibition ticket at the group ticket price (this applies only to the person inwhose name the Members Pass is registered)• Students can purchase a special exhibition ticket at the student price, which is thesame as the group ticket price (this applies only to the person in whose name theMembers Pass is registered)SpecialPrivileges

How to Apply

You can apply for a Members Pass at one of the National Museum ticket oﬃces, or bypost using postal remittance.

For More Information

Business Development
General Aﬀairs Division
Administrative Division
General Aﬀairs Division
Administration Dept.
Planning Oﬃcer
075‑541‑1151
092‑918‑2807
03‑3822‑1111
0742‑22‑4450○Campus Members System

Each of the four National Museums has its own membership programs for universities and colleges. These programs are aimed
at deepening cooperation with institutions of higher education and providing opportunities for their students to become familiar
with the National Museums. Members can enjoy various privileges, including free admission to regular exhibitions, for a yearly
membership fee corresponding to the number of students.

○Venue Rental

Each of the National Museums makes its facilities available as unique venues for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences andExhibitions) events. From corporate parties to international conventions, the museum facilities can be used for a wide range ofactivities.

○Diversifying Visitor Experiences

The national museums hold various events aimed at expanding the opportunities to appreciate art. Efforts are being taken
to facilitate understanding for foreign tourists, such as adding multilingual information labels and audio guides at exhibition
galleries, namely in English, Chinese and Korean.

Visitor tours for visually-impaired people(Kyushu National Museum)

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2021

29

Tokyo National Research Institutefor Cultural Properties

JR U
gu
Statiisudanion

National Institutes for
Cultural Heritage Secretariat
International
Library ofChildren’s
LiteratureWest Gate

TOKYO NATIONAL
MUSEUM

KurodaMemorial Hall◀To Tokyo
Metro Nezu
StationMain Gate

National Museum of
Nature and Science

Tokyo Metropolitan
Art Museum
FountainNational Museumof Western Art
Park Exit

Ueno park
Ueno Zoo

Tokyo Metropolitan
Festival Hall

JR UenoStation

Police Box

NTokyo Metro
Ueno Station

Keisei Ueno
StationAccess:
JR Line: 10 min. from Ueno or Uguisudani Station
Ginza or Hibiya Tokyo Metro Line: 15 min. from Ueno Station
Chiyoda Tokyo Metro Line: 15 min. from Nezu Station
Keisei Line: 15 min. from Keisei Ueno Station

13-9 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo, 110-8712
Phone: +81-3-3822-1196

URL: https://www.nich.go.jp/